Maidstone’s midweek victory sent a message to their title rivals, according to boss Jay Saunders.

Stones’ 2-1 win at Bognor Regis on Tuesday was one of their most impressive results of the season.

It moved them up to third place in the Ryman League Premier Division, three points behind leaders AFC Hornchurch with three games in hand.

Saunders said: “I’ve read a couple of things from other managers saying we’re riding the crest of wave at the moment and will come unstuck. We want to prolong this run we’re on and to win at a place like Bognor sends out a message.

“They’re a really good side who pull you about all over the place and not many teams will go there and win.

“I wouldn’t say it’s managers playing mind games because teams can start well when they come up and fall away in the second half of the season. It happened to me at Margate when we first got in the Conference.

“I understand where people are coming from but we’ve not gone into this league and just kept the same players. We’re a different side from last year and we’ve shown we can play a number of ways.”

Maidstone entertain Bury Town at the Gallagher Stadium on Saturday.

Alex Flisher and Michael Phillips are expected to recover from knocks but Rory Hill (calf) is a slight doubt. Midfielder Tom Phipp plays the final match of a one-month loan from Ebbsfleet and United expect him to return to Stonebridge Road.