Hakan Hayrettin tried to ignore the criticism during Maidstone’s slump and is confident things are turning.

The Stones ended a run of six league games without a win when they beat Chippenham 1-0 at home on Saturday.

They’ll have their work cut out to build on that tonight away to an in-form Ebbsfleet side who’ve won their last six in National South and have games in hand to go top.

But Hayrettin is staying positive, knowing United will move back into the play-off places if they avoid defeat at Stonebridge Road.

“If there has been crap flying about I don’t really take notice of it,” said the Stones manager.

“I told my son to stay off the internet but that’s it. You’re never going to make everyone happy - never - but hopefully we can make the majority happy.

“It’s a long season and we’ve still got a lot of points to play for.

“We’ve just got to work hard and it will turn - it will.

“The start of the season it was all roses, wasn’t it?

“Someone’s killed those roses and we’ve got to plant new ones so we can grow again.”

Ebbsfleet are the form team in the division and on Saturday thrashed Welling 6-0 at home.

That doesn’t faze Hayrettin, who will have his side clued up on what to expect from Dennis Kutrieb’s men.

“It will be a good game, won’t it?” said Hayrettin.

“They’re on a good run but so we were earlier this season.

“The players have got to be up for a local derby, we’re going to be ready.

“We’ll be all right. We’ve got to stay focused. We’re going to go there and equip ourselves the best way possible to get a result.”

Striker Hady Ghandour’s loan from Charlton expired after the Chippenham game, with Hayrettin due to decide whether to extend.

George Fowler is due back at Aldershot after the Fleet match, although Maidstone will try to keep the defender on board, particularly with captain George Elokobi (hip) sidelined.