Molesey v Maidstone United

ALAN WALKER is predicting Maidstone will be given a stern examination at Molesey on Saturday as they defend their two-point lead at the top of Ryman League Division 1 South.

The Stones also have two games in hands over their closest rivals Hastings, but their joint-manager is wary of the threat the Moles pose, having lost 1-0 to them at Bourne Park in September.

Asked if that game was one of United’s worst of the season, Walker replied: "I think that’s putting it mildly. We were absolutely shocking that day.

"They’ve turned things round recently and have done very well. They’ll be very tough and well-organised."

Since losing to Molesey, however, Maidstone have lost just three of 21 league games and Walker puts their revival down to the players’ obeying orders.

He said: "It’s taken a long time, but the players have got to the stage where whatever tell them to do in certain situations they do it - they stick to the game plan.

"Before beating Dartford we almost didn’t need to say anything to them."

* See Friday's Kent Messenger for a full preview.