Maidstone's Ant Bodle fights for possession against Bromley. Picture: Steve Terrell

By Alex Hoad

Maidstone joint-boss Alan Walker is desperate for his side to develop some consistency and climb the Ryman League Premier Division table.

The Stones have experienced another mixed week, winning at Blue Square South Bromley in the FA Trophy before losing to relegation-threatened Cray in the league.

Maidstone have alternated between wins and losses in their past seven games and face a home clash with third-placed Canvey Island at Homelands on Saturday, with just five points separating the teams.

Walker, whose side are in 13th place, said: “The league is just so tight at the moment – if you can get two wins on the spin then you can get right up there.

“But if you lose two in a row, then you find yourself right down there. We have been inconsistent this season. Injuries haven’t helped but that is no excuse.”

Asked if he would have preferred to have exited the Trophy and secured three more league points which could have taken the Stones third, Walker said: “I am happy with what we got.

“We have created some history for the club and to go through in the Trophy was financially good for the club.”

Roland Edge, Dean Hernandez-Bradshaw and Jamie Turner should all return against Canvey, leaving just James Peacock and Ashley Ulph on the sidelines.

The squad was further strengthened by the arrival of striker Danny Hockton from Chelmsford last Friday.

Walker said: “I had heard a whisper that Danny might be available so we got in touch and got the deal done."