Matt Bodkin is on the brink of a recall as Maidstone look to stretch their eight-point lead in the Ryman League Premier Division title race.

Winger Bodkin has been left out in recent weeks, with boss Jay Saunders switching to a 4-3-3 formation.

But he’s impressed coming off the bench and could be rewarded when the leaders host struggling Lewes at the Gallagher Stadium on Saturday.

It’s the first of two games in three days, with United off to Billericay on Monday. Wins in both would leave Maidstone at least 11 points clear of second-placed Margate.

Saunders said: “Bodders is close to starting again. He’s been good when he’s come on for us recently, especially when the game is stretched and people are tired and he can run at them with his pace.

“He’d been ever-present but had a dip in form and I said ‘I need more from you’. He agreed and felt he needed a rest but it won’t be long before he’s back in the side.

“Saturday is a possibility. I’ll make my mind up after I’ve looked at the report on Lewes but sometimes we’ve worked well with three up front at home.

“It’s a big weekend because if we get ourselves 11 points clear it does put pressure on Margate because the games start to run out. I still think Hendon are one to keep an eye on, too.”