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Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin on their Easter Monday derby at Dartford

05:00, 16 April 2022

Hakan Hayrettin says Maidstone must play the game - not the occasion - when they visit Dartford on Easter Monday.

The Stones travel to Princes Park looking to take another step towards winning the National South title.

Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin Picture: Steve Terrell
Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin Picture: Steve Terrell

They're four points clear with five games to play, after rivals Dorking beat Chippenham 3-0 on Good Friday.

But Hayrettin knows third-placed Dartford are formidable opponents, particularly at home, where they are unbeaten this season.

Six-hundred away tickets were snapped up in less than two days, and an additional 100 tickets went in under an hour, for what fans hope will be another significant moment in the title race.

Hayrettin, however, has a job to do and he won’t let his players get carried away.

“I know it’s a Kent derby, and I know there’s a lot to play for, but it’s just another game for us,” said Hayrettin.

“We’ve got to be mentally and physically ready, and emotionally, because it’s important we play the game, not the occasion.

“We’ve done that in most of our games this season and we need to keep doing that.”

Maidstone beat Dartford 4-0 at home in November, with Jack Barham scoring a hat-trick against his old club.

Hayrettin believes Darts boss Steve King will be reminding his players about that game.

“Of course, it comes into it,” said Hayrettin.

“Steve’s a very experienced manager, a knowledgeable manager, he’s got bags of experience and, wherever he’s been, he’s done a great job.

“But, for me, it’s about making sure we take one game at a time, staying focused on the game we’re going to be playing and making sure we cover all the areas we need to cover to try and get the points.”

Midfielder Regan Booty is available for selection after completing a three-match suspension.

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