Wealdstone manager Gordon Bartlett insists he feels his side owe promotion rivals Maidstone United this weekend.

The Stones are currently second in the Ryman Premier Division and will host fifth-placed Maidstone United on Saturday.

But Wealdstone have faced them three times already this season and have yet to beat them, losing to them in an FA Trophy replay and drawing in the league.

Bartlett said: “We have played them three times and I feel that we owe them one.

“They are a very good side but in the three previous games I felt we had the upper hand although the results tell you otherwise. We will do everything in our power to turn that around this Saturday.”

The Stones boss added: “I have a lot of respect for them. Their record speaks for itself and I just hope that we can edge it on Saturday. But it will certainly be another close encounter.”

Wealdstone kept within two points of leaders AFC Hornchurch after an impressive 3-1 win at sixth-placed Bognor Regis Town on Saturday.

The visitors took the lead after 18 minutes when Glen Little won the ball and fired past keeper Mark Zawadski.

Wealdstone made it 2-0 when an incisive pass from Little enabled Tom Pett to find the net.

The Stones punished Bognor with their third goal after an hour when Jerome Okimo released Jonny Wright and he hammered a shot past Zawadski.

Bognor Regis managed to get a late consolation through Terry Dodd.

Bartlett said: “We have played the top sides away from home in the league and come through unscathed. This can only keep the momentum and confidence going.

“Bognor are a good footballing side but the work ethic of the players is excellent and there is a very good spirit.”

Bartlett, whose side have only lost once this season in the league, added: “Confidence is obviously very good at the moment. We are pleased with the foundations but we’ve only played 20 games so we’re not getting carried away.”