FA CUP SPECIAL: Stones confident as they bid to play the big boys

The Yeltz are currently sitting in ninth place in the premier division of the British Gas Business Premier League table - the same level as the Stones - with a record of four wins and a draw from eight games, although they’ve got games in hand on all of the sides above them in the table.

Since beating Gainsborough Trinity 3-0 at home in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup, their results have definitely dented confidence ahead of the big showdown with the Kent club.

They were defeated 1-0 at Bedford Town in a league game and a fringe side were dumped out of the Birmingham Senior Cup, going down 2-0 at Atherstone Town, in midweek.

For Maidstone United, confidence is high, having knocked out Blue Square South outfit Fisher Athletic 3-2 in the last round and everybody at the club are so desperate to reach the first round proper.

Since their shock result over Fisher, the Stones won a morale-booting game over Sutton United, courtesy of Ian Selley’s spot-kick last weekend.

They are enjoying a much better campaign compared to last season and are sixth in the Ryman Premier League table - ten points behind leaders Dover Athletic - with a record of six wins and two draws from their eleven league outings.

For attacking midfielder Andy Martin, he is really looking forward to their trip to the West Midlands on Saturday, as FA Cup fever strikes the club.

“Getting on a good Cup run is always good for morale, good for confidence,” the Welshman told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“Obviously we won’t know too much about Halesowen, but I’m sure Walks and Lloyd would have done their homework by the time we get up there.

“Hopefully we’ll have a big following of supporters. If we beat them we’re a step closer to the first round proper.”

Joint boss Alan Walker says he wants to improve on his personal FA Cup record by leading the club to the first round proper.

Martin wants the same, saying: “All the boys have got a respect for Walks but everyone’s in it together, not just for Walks, or just for the chairman or for the fans.

“A good Cup run generates money for the club, generates confidence for the boys and hopefully that confidence will carry into the league form and whose to say we get to the first or second round proper and draw a big tie.”

Visit Maidstone United’s website: www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

Halesowen Town v Maidstone United
FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) Third Qualifying Round
Saturday 11^th October 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Grove, Old Hawne Lane, Halesowen, West Midlands B63 3TB