Stones hero Paul desperate for fame and glory

Monday 07th September 2009

MAIDSTONE UNITED wing-back Nathan Paul says he’s looking forward to Saturday’s FA Cup tie against minnows Bedfont at Homelands Stadium, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 24-year-old south Londoner, who proved to be the Stones hero when his cross-come-shot earned his side a point in a 2-2 home draw against Tonbridge Angels at the weekend, is desperate for bigger fish to fry in the later stages of the competition this season.

But before the former Beckenham Town player can consider pitting his wits against bigger clubs, his team mates must get past Combined Counties League minnows Bedfont first.

This will be Bedfont’s third game in the competition, having disposed of two Sussex County League sides in Crowborough Athletic (after a replay) and Mile Oak - but the Stones have enough quality in their ranks to book a place in the second qualifying round.

“Basically, FA Cup, we’ve got to put a side out and we’ve got to win the game,” Paul told www.kentishfootball.co.uk following his last-gasp equaliser against Tommy Warrilow’s Angels.

“No matter what league they play in, the game has got to be won. We’re going out with the amount of passion that the team had today. We’re going to put that into every single game.

“We want a run and we want to get somewhere in the FA Cup and we want to press on and keep winning games.

“I’ve played in the FA Cup a few times, done well, done alright, but haven’t got a proper, a big side and we want to play a big side and get on match-of-the-day or something.”

Knowing that Bedfont are unbeaten in eight competitive games this season, Stones joint-manager Lloyd Hume knows his side must adopt a professional attitude or they could face a humiliating exit at the hands of the west Londoners.

“Potential banana skin but our job is to make sure the lads are prepared in the right way and show the same level of commitment that they showed against Tonbridge Angels,” Hume told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“And if we do that, you have to say our quality will come through.

“If we relax, take it easy, we get them believing that they could win the game. There’s every chance that they can so we have to snuff that out at the start by being professional, being organised and if we can do that I’m sure we can go and progress in the FA Cup.

“We’re not going to take the game lightly. We’re going to treat it the same as we did against Tonbridge.”

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

Maidstone United v Bedfont

FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) First Qualifying Round

Saturday 15th September 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Homelands Stadium, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN26 1NJ