SAUNDERS BACKING WINGER TO SHINE

Manager Jay Saunders is more than happy with Tom Wraight and backs him to win over the Maidstone fans.

Wraight returned to the starting line-up for the FA Cup replay win at Enfield on Tuesday but has had his critics since joining from East Thurrock in the summer.

The winger arrived as a replacement for crowd favourite Alex Flisher and while his progress was halted by an ankle injury, Saunders has total faith.

He said: “Tom’s had a tough start to his time at the club because he’s had injuries and excellent for what he has done for us.

“We don’t pay any attention to what people say. I always say to the boys, ‘don’t worry what people talk about outside of the changing room’.

“We’ve got belief in the squad we’ve got. All the boys believe in each other, so we don’t let anything like that affect us.”

Meanwhile, Saunders says it is up to out-of-favour midfielder Jack Paxman to take his chances.

Paxman started the first game against Enfield after a spell out of the side but was back on the bench for the replay.

With Ollie Muldoon coming in and set to deputise for the unavailable Reece Prestedge at AFC Fylde on Saturday, Paxman is further down the pecking order.

Saunders said: “If you ask him, he’s probably not had the best of seasons so far.

“Pax is Pax, he knows what I think of him, I’ve had him here a long time.

“The squad has moved up a notch and there’s a lot of competition this year.

“He’s no different to anyone else. Over the course of the season they all get chances and it’s up to them to take them – simple as.

“I don’t think he did enough on Saturday and I felt Tom Wraight would be the better option for the replay.”

Maidstone face another long trip when they go to FC Halifax on Tuesday night.