Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin must choose between Ravan Constable and Chris Lewington to play in goal at Dorking Wanderers
Published: 06:00, 01 December 2020
Hakan Hayrettin has a decision to make between the sticks when Maidstone visit Dorking tonight.
Chris Lewington could be in line for a recall having missed the last five games since picking up an ankle injury in training.
He’s been fit for a few weeks but has remained on the bench, with Ravan Constable the man in possession.
However, Hayrettin is considering his options as United, seventh in National South, take on second-placed Wanderers.
He’ll consult goalkeeper coach Jim Stannard but ultimate responsibility lies with the manager.
“I’ve got to make a decision on that before the game,” said Hayrettin.
“I look at training, I look at the games, clips, the goals we’ve conceded and I’ll make a decision based on that.
“I’ll speak to Jim and the staff and let them have their say but I’ll have the last say. I'm close to making a decision.”
Maidstone have fallen seven points behind Dorking after three games without a win.
Wanderers, who made last season’s play-offs, are tipped by many to push for the title but Hayrettin feels there’s little between the sides.
He said: “They’ve started well. They’ve been a team in the making for the last four years.
“If you look at them, the players haven’t really changed in that time and they’re seeing the fruits now.
“It’ll be a good game. We’re up for it, we’re ready, there isn’t much between the sides.
“The one thing we need to do now is start converting some of these chances we’re creating. That’s the one grey area for me in the last few weeks.
“We just need to make sure we stay in and around that top area, which I think we will.
“I’m pleased with what we’ve got, we’ve just got to pick the right team.”
Hayrettin was sent off in the corresponding fixture last season after jumping to John Still’s defence in a touchline row with Dorking boss Marc White, who also saw red.
It capped a frustrating day for Hayrettin whose side slumped to a 3-1 defeat after taking the lead.
Hayrettin said: “It got a bit tasty last season because of the altercation between John and their owner/manager.
“I felt it showed a lack of respect to John, so I jumped in, but there’ll be none of that this season.
"You know what it was last year, I wasn’t able to do what I wanted to do. We had players who in my opinion weren’t quite right for the team.
“You’re pulling your hair out trying to get them to do things and as much as they tried, I just didn’t think they were the right fit. That was the most demoralising thing.
“I felt I cared more on the touchline than some of the players did on the pitch when you looked at their body language and the way they did things."
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Craig Tucker