It’s back to reality for Maidstone this weekend as they return to National League South action.

The Stones have dropped out of the play-off places amid their run to the FA Cup fifth round.

They head to struggling Kent rivals Dover on Saturday (3pm) in ninth place, three points outside the top seven.

Their league form has dipped and it’s time to get back on track.

The squad were given two days off following their cup exit at Coventry on Monday night.

They reported back to training yesterday and need to hit the ground running.

“It’s work time,” said manager George Elokobi.

“We have to refocus, we have to make sure we get our league form back in order, take it one game at a time and pay every bit of respect to the opponents we come up against in our preparations.”

Maidstone beat Dover 1-0 at the Gallagher in November, a result that contributed to manager Mitch Brundle losing his job.

Successor Jake Leberl has improved the team but they are 14 points from safety at the foot of the table.

Their position counts for nothing, however.

Elokobi said: “We can’t look too far ahead of ourselves.

“Our next game is Dover away and we’re going to prepare for a good test against them.

“It’s always going to be a cagey affair.

“We’ve got to focus now on making sure we express ourselves in the National League South again.

“It comes thick and fast now and all our players have to be ready and we have to make sure we maintain the same standards.

“Our approach is no different from any other game.

“We have to show the opposition respect.

“Anyone that goes into a season and tells you they don’t want to get promoted, they’re lying.

“We all want to try and get promoted and have some memories to look back on and give our fans something to cheer.”

Maidstone host Bath on Tuesday night (7.45pm).