Maidstone manager Jay Saunders insists his team are up for the big occasion despite making it just four points from a possible 18 against their promotion rivals this week.

Saunders admitted his team looked nervous in the early stages of Wednesday night’s goalless home draw against sixth-placed Worthing.

The Rebels could have overtaken them in Ryman League, Division 1 South and dumped the Stones out of the play-off places with a win – but Saunders insisted he doesn’t doubt his side’s ability to compete with the top sides.

Maidstone have already lost against Bognor, Whitehawk, Folkestone and Worthing, with the only previous points taken from other top-six sides in the division coming from a 2-0 home win over Dulwich in October.

Saunders (pictured) said: "The win against Dulwich proved we can beat the top sides. We also went to Folkestone and were unlucky to come away with nothing."

Former Stones youngster Rob Lyall has rejoined the club from Whitstable and
was on the bench on Wednesday night.

However, Saunders’ assistant Alan Pouton and striker James Pinnock have followed defender Lee Gledhill out of the club due to budgetary constraints.

Saunders said: "I was gutted that Alan chose to go and James is one of my best mates. However, we have a budget to work to.

Burgess Hill visit Bourne Park on Saturday.