Manager Jay Saunders says the pressure is off Maidstone ahead of the Kent derby at Ebbsfleet this weekend.

Fleet are nine points clear at the top of National League South and have already beaten United 2-0 at the Gallagher Stadium this season.

Saunders feels his in-form side are better equipped for the return on Saturday. They’re sixth after going through September without conceding a goal and have won their last three.

Saunders said: “We’ve improved since we played them last time. We know it’s going to be a hard game because they’re flying and Daryl’s doing a good job.

“But, being away, we go there with the pressure off. They’re unbeaten and I don’t think many people expect us to get anything.”

The sides share the best defensive record in the division, conceding only six goals in 11 games.

Saunders added: “Most of these games are tight. People expect that with it being the two best defences but sometimes in games like that you get howlers and see silly goals.

“I do want to keep it tight but I don’t want to sit 11 men behind the ball. I’d like us to have a go at them.”

James Rogers is available after a loan spell at Folkestone but winger Mitchell Pinnock has joined Tonbridge for a month.

On-loan Alex Osborn can’t play against his parent club and Alex Brown (knee) is sidelined but Alex Flisher could be on the bench.