Maidstone United manager Jay Saunders wants to his team to reproduce FA Trophy form in promotion race
By Craig Tucker
Jay Saunders has told his Maidstone players to move on from
their FA Trophy dismay and go all out for promotion.
Depleted Stones were sunk by an injury-time strike that should
have been ruled out for offside when FC Halifax won Tuesday’s
re-arranged second round tie 2-1.
But Stones produced one of their best performances of the season
against opponents who play two leagues above them in Blue Square
Bet North. And boss Saunders (pictured) wants United to take that
form into matches at home to Worthing on Saturday and at Ramsgate
on Boxing Day (3pm).
He said: "The boys were gutted in the changing room because they
knew we should have been in the next round or at the very least
taken them back to our place for a replay.
"It’s disappointing but we’ve got to move on and take the
positives from the run we’ve been on in the Trophy. Look at the
teams we’ve beaten in Margate, Whitehawk and Salisbury and then how
well we’ve played at Halifax.
"We know that if we produce those performances in the league
then few teams will be able to live with us."
Stones have come a long way since a 2-0 defeat at Worthing in
August led to calls for Saunders to be sacked. They haven’t
lost in 13 games since and are top of Ryman League, Division 1
South ahead of the return fixture.
Striker Stuart King is set to start having been cup-tied at
Halifax with fellow forward Paul Booth (work) also due to return.
But Ian Draycott (ankle) and Ade Olorunda (sickness) are doubts
while Shaun Welford is suspended.
20/12/12
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