Maidstone v Leyton

MAIDSTONE UNITED joint-manager Lloyd Hume says his side are entering a crucial stage of the season that could determine their survival in the Ryman League Premier Division.

The Stones have suffered two consecutive away defeats, after losing against AFC Wimbledon and Billericay Town in the space of four days.

They face basement side Leyton on Saturday and Hume admitted his side must start picking up points in order to lift the gloom over Bourne Park. They entertain Harrow Borough on Wednesday.

He said: "In the next couple of games we are playing teams that are in and around us. This will set the benchmark for us this season. I think out of the 11 games we have played, we’ve played nine teams in the top 11.

"We have now got a group of games against teams in and around us which will show where we are. We’re hoping to pick up nine points and have set a target of a minimum of seven."

The Stones are braced for a poor crowd, as they were unable to move the kick-off time to avoid a clash with the England v Estonia game.

Hume said: "To be honest it's not really important to me. It’s disappointing for the chairman and the club because it’s important to get revenue but we’ve got to concentrate on getting a result."

Mario McNish (hamstring) is a major doubt but striker Mo Takaloo (neck strain) is available.