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Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin deciding between keepers Yusuf Mersin and Tom Hadler for home game against Braintree

07:21, 08 March 2022

updated: 07:23, 08 March 2022

Hakan Hayrettin says there’s nothing between goalkeepers Tom Hadler and Yusuf Mersin as Maidstone bid to move level on points with leaders Dorking.

The Stones play their game in hand at home to Braintree tonight and the big decision facing boss Hayrettin is who to play in goal.

Yusuf Mersin is the man in possession Picture: Steve Terrell
Yusuf Mersin is the man in possession Picture: Steve Terrell

Mersin has played the last five games, keeping the shirt after Hadler completed a three-match ban following his red card in the 4-0 derby win over Ebbsfleet.

He made a mistake for the second goal on Saturday as Hungerford opened up a 2-0 lead and while the Stones recovered to win 3-2, Hayrettin will consider his options.

“We’ll have a look at it,” said the manager.

“Hadler’s improved dramatically and I think Yusuf is a Steady Eddie keeper with lots of Football League experience.

“There’s nothing between them.

“It was a toss of a coin against Hungerford if I’m being honest and I didn’t know if I got it right.”

Maidstone got back on track against Hungerford after Dorking ended their 14-match unbeaten run.

Tom Hadler has sat out the last five games, including a three-match suspension Picture: Steve Terrell
Tom Hadler has sat out the last five games, including a three-match suspension Picture: Steve Terrell

Hayrettin is determined to follow up their comeback victory and move level on points with the leaders.

“Tuesday night is the one now,” he said. “Beating Hungerford means nothing if we don’t back it up.

“We’ve got to turn the screw - it’s all to play for.

“Braintree, my old club, are a good team, they’ve picked up form of late and they’re not going to make it easy for us, are they?

"Playing in front of 2,000 people, they’re going to love it. It’s down to us to go about our business the right way.

"We’re on the train, the train’s picking up speed.

“Last week we ran out of coal, this week we’ve got more coal and the train’s going again.”

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