By Alex Hoad

Maidstone boss Peter Nott has called on his players to stop playing on reputation alone and fight to ensure they finish the season unbeaten to secure their Ryman League, Premier Division status.

Stones lost 5-0 to Hastings at Homelands on Monday - a result which Nott said flattered his side and was his most embarrassing in football.

Their ninth game without a win left them third-bottom - three points and two places from safety - with six games remaining.

Nott (pictured) said: "It was the biggest embarrassment I’ve ever had.

"Not only was the performance poor but also the lack of character. No one wanted to roll their sleeves up."

Nott held clear-the-air talks with his squad this week and is hoping for a positive reaction in Saturday’s trip to Hornchurch and Tuesday’s must-win home game against Waltham, although he has vowed to ring the changes.

He said: "We have got to perform on Saturday. I want to see character from the team."

Peter Hawkins begins a two-game ban but Roland Edge returns from suspension while Chris Saunders (foot), Jermaine Darlington (knee) and Nathan Paul (knee) will all be assessed.