Manager Jay Saunders has ruled Maidstone out of a National League South title challenge.

United travel to Kent rivals Dartford on Saturday third in the table after six wins in a row.

They’re eight points behind leaders Ebbsfleet with two games in hand and have the best defensive record in the country, conceding only seven goals in 14 matches.

But Saunders has dismissed any talk of back-to-back championships for last season’s Ryman League winners.

He said: “I don’t think we’re title contenders, not in my eyes. That might sound harsh when you look at the table but this is our first season up and things change quickly in football.

“I said at the start of the season I’d like to go for the play-offs and that would still be a massive achievement. We’re new to the league and the majority of players we signed hadn’t played at this level.

“If we’re still around it after Christmas, then maybe we will make the play-offs.”