Following a manic midweek game where the Coasters drew 5-5 with Ramsbottom United in the FA Trophy, attention turns back to league action.

The Coasters travel to Kent to lock horns with Maidstone United – a side who have had a turbulent season, to say the least.

Jay Saunders began the season as manager, before leaving by mutual consent after seven years in charge.

Former Billericay Town manager Harry Wheeler was appointed, before being sacked in December after winning only five games from 19.

Non-league veteran John Still has now taken the reigns as Head of Football, with Hakan Hayrettin joining as Head Coach, in a bid to maintain their National League status.

The Opposition

Name: Maidstone United

Form: WLWLLL

Ground: The Gallagher Stadium

Position: 23rd

Recent form has been up and down, with wins against Boreham Wood and Hartlepool United being usurped by losses to Dagenham and Redbridge and Leyton Orient in recent weeks.

The Stones currently sit six points adrift from safety, and having shipped 53 goals so far this season, will hope the experience of the new management can help them run a tighter ship in the run-in.

One to Watch

With an injury to leading goalscorer Blair Turgott keeping the danger man out of action since November, the Stones will have to turn to another man.

Although his initial spell with The Stones hasn’t been littered with goals, Jake Cassidy has been key to recent positive performances – with an all-important goal in the 1-0 win at Boreham Wood.

Hartlepool vs Harrogate 07/08/18

Cassidy actually scored against Maidstone in January for Hartlepool, but was no doubt welcomed back with open arms to the Gallagher Stadium – and will now need to repay that faith.

Head To Head

Despite succumbing to a 1-0 away defeat last year, overall, the Coasters record against Maidstone is a positive one.

Last time out, Arlen Birch’s long-range strike secured three points, after Neill Byrne’s opening goal at Mill Farm.

 

2018/19

AFC Fylde 2 – 0 Maidstone

2017/18

Maidstone 1 – 0 AFC Fylde

AFC Fylde 3 – 0 Maidstone

From The Manager’s Office

Other Games To Keep An Eye On

With the Coasters looking to close the gap on league leaders Orient, and surpass Solihull and Salford, all eyes remain on our fellow contenders.

Braintree Town v Salford City
Ebbsfleet United v Solihull Moors
Hartlepool United v Leyton Orient

Special attention will no doubt be paid at The Racecourse Ground, where Wrexham take on Dagenham & Redbridge, in Bryan Hughes’ first game in charge.