Hathaway confident of success
Head coach Paul Hathaway feels Maidstone should win their top-of-thetable clash against Tunbridge Wells. The London 2 South leaders go into the game at The Mote tomorrow (Saturday, 2.15pm) with a 100% record, while secondplaced Wells are unbeaten with a draw to their name. It should make for an entertaining afternoon as Hathaway goes up against his former club. He said: “Wells will be tough opponents and it’s about gaining early control and maintaining it throughout. “We have a strong defence which is proving difficult to break down. We’ve shown in the last two games how hard sides have to work to score against us. “Game management is key but you can never account for what the opposition will do. “They have a useful pack but if we can match them toe-to-toe, our ability and power in midfield will probably win the day but, of course, we have to win the ball to get the opportunities.” Hathaway made several summer signings ahead of his first full season in charge, as well as changing the style of play. He’s praised the impact made by new and existing players after seven straight league wins. He said: “We’re pleased with the way our form has improved since pre-season. We’ve recruited a lot of new players and it always takes time to bed in new players and new coaches. “The first few games we had teething problems but the players are confident in each other’s abilities. They trust each other and are starting to implement the patterns of play we’ve been working on. “We’ve turned a lot of areas around which were our Achilles heel last year. “Sides aren’t getting across our try-line when we’re defending five metres out and we’re taking our opportunities. It’s all about the players wanting to work with you. “The new players have raised the intensity of training and games. There’s still a lot of players from last year and they’ve responded well to top players coming in. There is still a way to go and as a coach, you can be too critical of players. “But I’m pleased because in our league there are areas of the game you have to be able to cope with. And if a side can’t get across your line, that’s a statement of intent.” Kiwi Ben Brill remains sidelined with a hip injury but otherwise Maidstone should be at full strength. Hathaway said: “Ben probably won’t be back before Christmas. “We do miss his dynamic approach but we’ve brought in players who maybe have a similar impact but in other areas.”