Frontman Jack Barham says it is vital Maidstone United keep their bottle in National League South title race

Striker Jack Barham believes it is vital Maidstone keep their bottle in the National League South title race.

The second-placed Stones are now six points behind Dorking after they lost 1-0 at Meadowbank last weekend as the campaign heads towards the final quarter of games.

But Wanderers visit fourth-placed Dartford this Saturday, with plenty more points to be played for yet.

The Stones also have a game in hand on the leaders and Barham hasn’t given up on top spot, saying: “If we win our game in hand, it (the gap) is back to three points.

“They slip up and lose a game and we win and, suddenly, it’s back on again. There’s still a long way to go.

“I think this time of the season, it’s about who shows their bottle. That’s how football works.

“Whoever can keep being consistent until the end of the season will lift the trophy.”

Defeat ended Maidstone’s 14-match unbeaten league run, their best in 10 years, and they will aim to bounce back when they host play-off hopefuls Hungerford this Saturday.

“It’s going to be a tough game,” predicted Barham, back fit again after missing Maidstone’s win over Oxford City through illness.

“We know what they bring to the table - it’s fight and grit.

"They like to take their time on the ball and make things difficult for their opponent.

“They turned over Dartford the other night (beating them 2-1), their place is tricky to go to, especially on a Tuesday night.

“But for us, we like being on the 3G at home.

“We like moving the ball quickly, getting it out wide, getting balls in the box and hurting teams. They have got to come to a tricky place.

“It’s time for us to roll our sleeves up now and have a really good end to the season.”

The Stones are then back in action at the Gallagher on Tuesday,