Maidstone v Ashford Town (Middx)

Lloyd Hume says Maidstone United’s battle to avoid the drop is occupying his attentions on a daily basis.

While some managers claim they never look at tables, joint-boss Hume admits he spends at least an hour everyday pouring over the possible permutations involving Stones and the clubs around them in the Ryman League, Premier Division.

Hume said: “I spend an hour everyday, working out whose playing who, and how it affects us, and will continue to do so, until I know we are safe. I am very positive about us staying up.”

Stones face Ashford Town (Middx) at Bourne Park this Saturday in their penultimate home game of the season, with the visitors looking for a third win in a week.

Hume watched Ashford’s 3-0 victory over Horsham on Tuesday and said: “They are a big strong side, and it is probably the toughest of the four games we have left.

“If they win all their games in hand they will be make the play-offs.”

Hume cites a disappointing home record as one reason why the Stones have struggled, and wants the support to be big and loud on Saturday.

He added: “We have done better away from home his season, and our record is the fifth best in the Division, but we have struggled at home.

“That’s why we want a big crowd and strong vocal support to help get us the result we need.”

Eight points separate eight clubs battling to avoid the drop with two of them, Wealdstone and Carshalton, playing each other.