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Stones need to improve next season

JUST PRIOR to Saturday's kick off Ramsgate were presented with the Kent League championship trophy, an event that many Maidstone United followers didn't enjoy witnessing, writes Darren Lovell.

The remainder of the afternoon then had the air of being an uncomfortable guest at somebody else's party if you were of an amber and black inclination.

The match - which Ramsgate won 2-1 - had more than just a touch of an end of season feel to it and the game itself rarely raised itself above the level of mediocrity. 

The home side chose to rest both of their in-form strikers, Mo Takaloghabashi and former Dover Athletic striker Shaun Welford, whilst Maidstone included a raft of reserve team players within their match-day squad.

After the game Maidstone United manager Lloyd Hume, who saw his side finish in fourth place, said: "We were light on numbers today and carrying a few injuries but they (Ramsgate) were desperate to win it and that showed in the game.  We weren't really at the races and I think 2-1 really flattered us.

"I think that we only had four players that played well.  Glen Cook, Simon Austin, Sam Tydeman and Pat Mullin did well which meant that there were seven players who didn't perform and I'll include myself in that.

"If you do that against the best team in the Kent League, which I think Ramsgate are this season, then you are going to get beaten, which is what happened today."

So what is Hume looking for in his players if the Stones are going to clinch the Kent League championship this time next season?

He told the club's website: "We need to be stronger minded next year and we need to show a stronger will if we are to win the Kent League.

"I've asked everyone back for pre-season but I only want people who are really determined to succeed to turn up."