Just another game!
STONES BOSS PLAYS DOWN DERBY CLASH
Hakan Hayrettin says Maidstone must play the game - not the occasion when they visit Dartford on Easter Monday.
The Stones travel to Princes Park looking to take another step towards winning the National South title.
They’ll go into the match at least four points clear at the top, with Dorking having played their game in hand against Chippenham on Good Friday.
It’s a strong position to be in with five games to play but Hayrettin knows thirdplaced Dartford are formidable opponents, particularly at home, where they are unbeaten this season.
Six-hundred away tickets were snapped up in less than two days for what fans hope will be another significant moment in the title race.
But Hayrettin has a job to do and he won’t let his players get carried away.
“I know it’s a Kent derby, and I know there’s a lot to play for, but it’s just another game for us,” said Hayrettin.
“We’ve got to be mentally and physically ready, and emotionally, because it’s important we play the game, not the occasion.
“We’ve done that in most of our games this season and we need to keep doing that.”
Maidstone beat Dartford 4-0 at home in November, with Jack
Barham scoring a hat-trick against his old club.
Hayrettin believes Darts boss Steve King will be reminding his players about that game.
“Of course, it comes into it,” said Hayrettin.
“Steve’s a very experienced manager, a knowledgeable manager, he’s got bags of experience and, wherever he’s been, he’s done a great job.
“But, for me, it’s about making sure we take one game at a time, staying focused on the game we’re going to be playing and making sure we cover all the areas we need to cover and try and get the points.”
Hayrettin is determined to get club captain George Elokobi on the pitch before the end of the season.
Elokobi returned from a groin injury in the Kent Senior Cup defeat at Tonbridge in February but hasn’t featured in the league since November, with Joe Ellul and George Fowler established in central defence.
He’s been an unused substitute in recent weeks and Hayrettin would love to be in a position to give the 36-year-old some minutes.
“It’s something I really want to do,” said the boss.
“When I came to the club, the first person I wanted to bring in was George Elokobi, with John Still’s blessing.
“George is fundamentally important to what we do at the football club.
“He’s a father figure, he’s a leader and I think he deserves respect for the way he’s handled himself being around the place when he was injured.
“He’s a true pro, a model pro and, if the time is right and I get the opportunity, I will get him on the pitch. For me, it’s important I do that.”
Hayrettin is keen to keep Elokobi, who is already on the academy coaching staff, at Maidstone next season.
He added: “I think the club could only benefit from having someone like George around.
“I’d love to have him around next season in some capacity. We’ll see. He’s coaching here anyway with the academy and is an inspiration to the young players.”