By Alex Hoad

Maidstone manager Andy Ford has called on his players to show they care about the club and their careers by improving on the dismal showing in the derby loss to Margate.

Ford (pictured) was disappointed with his players’ passion after the 2-0 Bank Holiday Monday defeat and urged them to improve in the crucial game at Hastings on Saturday.

He said: "If the players care about this club or their playing careers, if they’ve got anything about them, then they need to improve on that, that’s for sure."

Ford said: "Hastings is a relegation battle so if we are going to win, it is likely to be a scrappy one, one where we’ll have to roll our sleeves up and scrap and hope we get a bit of luck."

Danny Hockton could return after the end of his loan at Bromley, which saw Paul Vines move in the opposite direction. Keeper Andy Walker (dead leg) and Joe Vines (concussion) will be assessed before the trip to the Pilot Field.

The club's latest comings-and-goings saw Joe Goldsmith join Eastbourne Town, defender Marc Cumberbatch move to Horsham YMCA to take on a coaching role and Nick Davis go to Thamesmead.

Defender Aiden Sherlock, 18, on loan from Ebbsfleet, made his debut from the bench against Margate.