Jay Saunders paid tribute to Whitehawk after Tuesday night's game at the Gallagher Stadium.

Hawks won 1-0 thanks to a Dave Martin strike and the result lifted them to within five points of second-placed Maidstone in Vanarama National League South.

Saunders said: "I thought we were beaten by the better side. I think they're a very good side, one of the best sides in the league, especially going forward.

"I thought on the first-half showing we gave them a little bit too much room and a little bit too much respect and they looked a very good side.

"I think they fully deserved to be 1-0 up at half-time. It was a good finish by the lad.

"We just never got going in the first half. That's three games on the trot when I don't think we've been good enough first half.

"Were we good enough second half? Not really but we huffed and puffed and at least we had a go second half.

"We weren't at it. They're a very good side and they showed that tonight."

Stones have now lost two of their last three games - both at home.

Saunders said: "I don't know whether we need a little freshen-up, a few fresh faces, maybe. Possibly it is that. We've got a few who look a little bit tired and it's something we've got to look at.

"But it's not all doom and gloom. We are where we are in the league and I'd still have taken it if you'd said to me we'd be in this position.

"I knew tonight would be a big ask because I know they're a very good side. I know people will say 'they had the hard game on Sunday' (against Dagenham & Redbridge in the FA Cup) but look at the players they're bringing in, they're very good players.

"They've been able to rest a few and bring in some strong lads, the likes of Dave Martin who scored the goal.

"We've just got to pick ourselves up and go again. There's a few things I think can be better and we've got to look at it."