Alan Walker accepts that nothing less than a third win of the season over Margate tomorrow (Saturday) will suffice for Maidstone in order to keep their flickering play-off hopes alive.

Last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Tooting was massively deflating for Walker and fellow joint-manager Lloyd Hume, coming on the back of the excellent comeback victory at Harlow.

Walker admitted: “We have got to win all our home games now, there’s no two ways about it if we still want to have a chance of making the play-offs.”

Stones have already beaten the Thanet outfit twice this season, 2-0 at Hartsdown Park in the league in October, followed by a 2-1 home success in the Kent Senior Cup a month later.

But Walker warned that the return fixture was likely to be a much more difficult proposition for his side.

“Margate are massively improved in the past few months,” he said. “They are fighting for their lives now to avoid relegation.

“But it’s a must-win game for us, especially as our matches are starting to run out.”

First-choice goalkeeper Andy Walker (groin) is available while Jay Saunders should be fully fit again after flu.

Striker Meshach Nugent (ankle) is rated 50/50 and defender Ashley Ulph (knee) looks likely to be ruled out.