Assistant manager Terry Harris isn’t surprised by the strength of the National League as Maidstone approach the midway point of the season.

United meet Altrincham at the Gallagher Stadium this Saturday (3pm) in a reverse of their opening-weekend fixture.

That’s followed by a trip to Dorking on Tuesday (7.45pm), with Dagenham the only side Maidstone are yet to face.

The division has been every bit as challenging as Harris expected, but the Stones are on course to achieve their aim of survival in their first year back at this level.

They’re outside the relegation zone, with Oldham and Scunthorpe - the two clubs relegated from the Football League last season - among those below them.

“It’s a totally different league to what it was two, three or four years ago,” said Harris.

“Every year, bigger sides come down from League 2, some strong sides come in from the North and South and it makes it harder.

“We understand that. We know the rules. There are no surprises.

“We’ve just got to stay in this league, which we will do.

“As we said to the players at the start of the season, there’s going to be highs and lows. Just try and keep everything on an even keel and hopefully you’ll be okay - and we will be.”

Maidstone drew 1-1 at Altrincham at the beginning of August on their return to the National League.

An encouraging start saw them collect 10 points in the opening month, but that was followed by a 12-match winless run.

They’ve picked up in recent weeks, with last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at Woking just a second loss in their past seven league games.

“A lot of water has passed under the bridge since the first day of the season,” said Harris.

“We’re pretty much halfway through. Would I like more points? Of course I would. But we knew it was going to be tough.

“All we can do is be positive. Forget the negative thoughts because negative thoughts just breed defeats.

“It’s that siege mentality we need. Just close ranks.

“We’ve been on a good run. We’ve got wins, we’ve got draws and what we need to do now is go on another run.”

Goalkeeper Ryan Sandford was set for a scan after dislocating his shoulder at Woking, with Maidstone 1-0 up at the time.

Yusuf Mersin, who came on for Sandford at Kingfield, looks likely to start against Altrincham, with Tom Hadler receiving treatment for a toe injury.

Jerome Binnom-Williams, captaining the side in the absence of Gavin Hoyte, is set to return from illness and Jacob Mensah is available after a calf injury.

Altrincham are five points better off than Maidstone in 16th place and travel to the Gallagher unbeaten in four games.

Harris said: “It was way back in August when we played them but I thought they were a decent side then and they will still be a decent side.

“We’ll have a good look at them and see what’s coming down to the Gallagher. We’ve got to build up again after losing to Woking and it all starts this week.”