Maidstone midfielder Jai Reason says he feels sorry for manager Jay Saunders.

The Stones are trying everything to get a win on the board and ease any relegation fears.

United’s winless run is up to 17 games after Saturday’s late 3-2 defeat by Tranmere.

It’s stumped Reason who is convinced United aren’t far away from winning matches.

He said: “I can’t put my finger on what’s happened but I know we’ve got a group of lads in the dressing room who will give everything for Jay.

“I just feel sorry for him at the minute.

“You’ve got lads in there who will run through a brick wall for him.

“You can see in some of the games we are close to getting some results.

“You can talk about luck but, like Jay says, you make your own luck.

“You think where we were at the start of the season when we had that good run but the lads know what we need to do.”

Reason, 28, is happy with his own form this season and feels it’s important to stay level-headed during bad times.

He added: “The older I’ve got the more I’ve understood the game and I think in spells this season I’ve been really pleased with my own performances, although the results don’t match it.

“You have your ups and downs but if you’re going to be happy when you’re up you’ve got to be happy when you’re down because you’ve got to stay positive and that’s what we all need to be doing now.

“It’s a massive part of football. You’ve got to take the rough with the smooth.”