by Alex Hoad

Maidstone United boss Jay Saunders insists his side remain in the fight for the Ryman League Division 1 South title.

The Stones were top of the table in November but have since fallen off the pace and were even out of the play-off places at one point.

They are now six points behind leaders Bognor and have played two more games than the Sussex side but manager Saunders (pictured) remains bullish about his side’s chances.

He said: "I wouldn’t take a play-off place if you offered it now. I want to win the league.

"I know it’s going to be tough as Bognor and (third-placed) Dulwich have games in hand but I think it is possible.

"It’s about getting on a good run and picking up results. We’ll keep trying to do that until it’s impossible."

Marc Powell is set to start at Merstham on Saturday but Saunders could have a new goalkeeper in ahead of Tuesday night’s Ryman League Cup home quarter-final match against East Thurrock United after Daren Hawkes was recalled by Gillingham.

Saunders said: "Merstham will be flying after beating Folkestone 4-0 last week but we have lost one in eight and we’re also full of confidence.

"They have looked dangerous whenever we’ve played them and it will be a tough game but I want us to go there and win."

Leading scorer Shaun Welford and full-back Tommy Osborne should be fit enough to return to the squad after knee and head injuries but will start on the bench.

Saunders added: "We’ve got almost everyone fit and looking stronger and stronger."