Hakan Hayrettin feels there’s a score to settle when Maidstone host Dagenham in the first game of 2023.

United lost 1-0 to the Daggers on Boxing Day, a result boss Hayrettin felt was harsh on his side.

There’s an immediate chance to make amends in Monday’s return game at the Gallagher Stadium (3pm).

And the Stones could certainly do with a win having lost their past four games in the National League.

“We’ll be ready for Monday,” said Hayrettin. “There’s not a lot to put right.

“It’s a mentality thing, isn’t it? We’ve got to get the mentality right.

“We didn’t deserve to lose the first game. It was an injustice. I don’t know what they think but that’s what I think.

“Anyone that was there and saw the game, they would say the same thing.”

Maidstone are a point outside the bottom four, although the teams below them - Gateshead, Oldham, Torquay and Scunthorpe - all have games in hand.

They’ve shown in flashes what they’re capable of, winning three of their opening six games after promotion, but two wins in 19 since then has left them in a relegation battle.

Hayrettin remains confident better times are ahead.

“I think we can play better than what we’ve already played,” he said. “I can see the signs there. I go back to the mentality thing.

“We’re going to get stronger - you saw that at Dagenham.

“We were good value and shouldn’t have lost.”

Reiss Greenidge (ankle) could be a doubt after hobbling off on Boxing Day, in which case Kodi Lyons-Foster is likely to partner Joe Ellul in central defence.

Maidstone's options at the back are reduced following Jacob Mensah’s departure.

The 22-year-old, who joined Crystal Palace from Ramsgate as a teenager, made a bright start at the Gallagher after signing as a free agent.

But he dropped out of the side through injury and never regained his place.

“He wasn’t playing regularly,” said Hayrettin.

“He did well for us when he was here, then he was out of the team. It was a decision we both came to for a parting of the ways.

“He needs to play regularly at his age and he’s gone to find football elsewhere. He’s a great lad."