Goalkeeper Tom Hadler hopes it’s his turn for a run after regaining his place in the Maidstone team.

Hadler sat out the first nine games of the National League season, with Yusuf Mersin getting the nod.

But the former Gillingham man was back in the side last weekend as Maidstone pushed leaders Chesterfield all the way before losing 2-1 in added time.

The Stones visit Boreham Wood on Saturday, a game that will be shown live on BT Sport (5.20pm).

Hadler is taking nothing for granted but is the man in possession.

He said: “I’d like to think I’ll stay in the team. Yus has had a run so hopefully I’ll now get a run.

“I look forward to being out there but we’ll have to see.

“It’ll be a first live telly game for me, so it will be fun if it is me.

“We played well there in the FA Trophy last season.

“We were well in the game, we created chances and were unlucky to lose on penalties.

“We shouldn’t be frightened of Boreham Wood or anyone else.

“We’re a good team, as we’ve shown, it’s just a case of getting that consistency back and that compactness in our game.”

Hadler kept 13 clean sheets as Maidstone won the National League South title last season.

He’s popular with fans but had to bide his time, with Mersin preferred at the start of the season.

Stones boss Hakan Hayrettin decided to make the change against Chesterfield but kept Hadler guessing.

“I found out when Terry (Harris, assistant manager) read the team out at 1.15pm,” said Hadler.

“We work all week on different bits on organisation and shape, and me and Yus were both involved in that, so we were both prepared to play.

“If I’m not in the team, I’m still ready and it’s the same with Yus.

“Once you’re out there, you drop back into your rhythm and find your habits from last year and it all falls into place.

“It’s just the nature of the beast for goalkeepers in that there’s only one spot.

“We’ve just got to push each other as hard as we can and both be ready when called upon. I’ll always be ready and will always do my best when I’m out there.”

Stones boss Hayrettin described Mersin’s contribution as “absolutely fantastic”, stressing the big keeper had done nothing wrong.

But fans seemed pleased to see Hadler back, singing his name before and during the game.

“It’s a tricky one because me and Yus get on well and we want the union to look after itself,” said Hadler, speaking of his popularity on the terraces.

“I had a great relationship with the fans last year, a great rapport, they’re like no other fans I’ve been around.

“They back us whether we’re winning or losing and it felt amazing to be back out there and be part of all that again.

“As a team, I think we’ve got to foster the spirit we had last year and keep it positive even in the face of tricky times.

“Even if we don’t always get results, if we keep performing well, the wins will come.”