The perfect pick-me-up
A trip to National League big-hitters Leyton Orient is just what Maidstone need.
It may not be the obvious choice for a team looking for their first win of the season but manager Jay Saunders believes Brisbane Road will bring out the best in his players.
Stones have one point out of six going into Saturday’s game and are up against one of the title favourites with Orient rebuilding after relegation from League 2.
Maidstone are without Stuart Lewis, who starts a three-game ban after his red card at Ebbsfleet in midweek, while Alex Finney looks set to miss out with a groin injury.
They’re important players but Saunders is backing his team to cope.
He said: “There’s going to be a big crowd and it’s an ideal one for our boys.
“If you go to another team, maybe sometimes you’re expecting to win games.
“But when you go somewhere like Orient, you can look forward to it and maybe your players raise their game a little bit.
“A lot of them won’t have played there before, so it’s good in that respect and hopefully we can get a result.”
Club legend Martin Ling is back at Orient as director of football, working with boss Steve Davis and there’s also a new owner with Nigel Travis at the helm after the disastrous reign of Francesco Becchetti.
Saunders said: “Orient will be up there. It’s difficult, though, because they’ve got a completely new side.
“It’s not like they’ve kept seven or eight and added three or four, they’re pretty much a whole new side and sometimes, as Hartlepool found against Dover, that’s difficult.
“Once they get a head of steam going they’ll be tough to stop but maybe it’s a good time to go there.
“I think it’s a good move getting Martin Ling back.
“He’s well respected there and the new owner’s come in and given everyone a lift, so they’re heading in the right direction.
“I’m pleased because they’re a big club, an old club, and it’s good they’ve found their feet after what was a messy patch for them.”
Magnus Okuonghae was close to starting at Ebbsfleet and could feature if Finney is missing but Jamar Loza (calf) and Johan ter Horst (shoulder) are still out.
Saunders said: “I know the results will come once we can get everyone fit and get a settled team. That’s my concern at the moment.
“We’re missing Jamar Loza, a ball-carrier and someone with that bit of pace who can create something out of nothing, or a Johan ter Horst.”