Let's hope we can produce another gutsy display at Wrexham, says Nicky Southall

Friday 05th December 2014

MAIDSTONE UNITED assistant manager Nicky Southall says he is hoping his side can produce another FA Cup shock on Saturday evening.

The Stones are in Wales tonight to prepare for their Second Round tie against Wrexham, which will be televised in Wales on BBC Two Wales and fans not traveling can watch the action at The Gallagher Stadium.

The Kent side go into the game sitting in second-place in the Ryman Premier League table with 46 points from 19 games and are seven points adrift of leaders Margate, but with five games in hand tomorrow evening.

Terry Brown’s side travel to East Thurrock United in the league tomorrow, while Jay Saunders and his side plot to beat Vanarama Conference side Wrexham.

The Welsh giants sit in 12^th place in the table, but Maidstone United caused a giant-killing when they stunned League One side Stevenage 2-1 in the First Round replay, courtesy of two goals from striker Frannie Collin, after coming away from Hertfordshire with a goal-less draw.

“The players have had a great week’s training and are really looking forward to the Wrexham game,” said Southall.

“We’re staying in a hotel so to try and give the boys the best preparation possible as we all know it will be a really tough test against a well-drilled side in Wrexham.

“But it’s The FA Cup and again there will be some shocks in this Second Round so let’s hope we can produce another gutsy display as we did against Stevenage in the First Round.”

The Stones have plenty to play for leading up to the busy festive period.

“December is a huge month for the club and we are looking to get off to a flyer as momentum is the key for us to take forward into the Christmas and New Year period,” said Southall.

“As after tomorrow we will be five games adrift of Margate so we only hope they come unstuck in the league tomorrow.”

The club appointed Bearsted-based Steve Nolan to Saunders’ backroom staff after leaving his first team coaching role at Ryman League Division One South side Hythe Town.

Nolan will work alongside the existing coaching team of Saunders, Southall and player-coach Jamie Coyle, focusing on the club’s scouting set-up.

Saunders told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk: “As we head into the second half of the season, I was keen to bolster my backroom staff.

“Steve is a qualified and respected coach and we are looking forward to working with him and together achieving our aim of promotion to Conference South.”

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

Wrexham v Maidstone United
The FA Cup Second Round
Saturday 6^th December 2014
Kick off 5:30pm
at Racecourse Ground, Mold Road, Wrexham, Wales LL11 2AH