Maidstone finally return to action this weekend knowing they could close to within three points of leaders Ebbsfleet.

It’s three weeks since the Stones last played in National League South, following last Saturday’s postponement at Weston but they welcome Concord to the Gallagher Stadium still within touching distance of their Kent rivals.

Defeat for Fleet at home to Margate last weekend saw them use up their game in hand, keeping the door ajar for Maidstone with 17 games to go.

Manager Jay Saunders said: “It makes it a little bit more interesting. It’s got to a point now where people think they can beat the top sides.

“If people drop points above us and we find ourselves in a good position, you never know. But I still think it’s Ebbsfleet’s to lose and see them as favourites.

“I know people are saying we’re only six points behind but my aim is still to cement our place in the play-offs.”

Maidstone, who lost three in a row either side of Christmas, are now targeting a fourth straight win against Concord.

Saunders said: “It’s not been ideal having two weeks off because you want to keep the games coming.

“The players are chomping at the bit. They’ve seen Ebbsfleet have dropped points and we are only six points behind.

"There’s me saying one thing but we’ve got a hungry bunch and they’ll want to have a real good go at it.”