By Alex Hoad

Jay Saunders has warned his Maidstone players they might have to abandon their principles of free-flowing football if they are to turn Bourne Park into a fortress this season.

After a slow start, Maidstone have collected three straight wins, with an FA Cup victory in between two successes in Ryman League Division 1 South, the latest a 1-0 victory on Wednesday against landlords Sittingbourne at Bourne Park.

Player-boss Saunders, pictured, saw his side turn on the style in the 5-1 win at Crawley Down and 9-0 triumph at Corinthian, but the victory over the Brickies was a more difficult affair.

He said: "I said to the players that Sittingbourne are used to playing on the hard pitch and with the wind coming in, and they use it to their advantage.

"Sometimes you have to go ugly and play percentage balls. We’ll have a look at doing it ourselves."

Saunders revealed he remains in the market for an experienced defender as his new-look defence has not yet settled.

He said: "My biggest concern is sorting us out defensively. There is only a slight bit of tinkering needed. We might need one more experienced head."

Stones face a trip to Croydon Athletic on Saturday. James Pinnock and Danny Lye should return from knocks, while Nick Reeves is back after work commitments.