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Maidstone United manager Jay Saunders warns Heybridge Swifts are dangerous opponents in FA Trophy

Maidstone manager Jay Saunders has warned his side to take Heybridge seriously in the FA Trophy second round.

Swifts arrive at the Gallagher on Saturday as the lowest-ranked team in the competition, sitting 15th in Bostik North, albeit with a large number of games in hand.

They reached the FA Cup first round this year, bowing out to League 2 Exeter, and upset National South Hampton & Richmond to reach this stage of the Trophy.

Maidstone United manager Jay Saunders Picture: Andy Payton
Maidstone United manager Jay Saunders Picture: Andy Payton

There’s three divisions between United and Heybridge but Saunders is taking nothing for granted, especially as Maidstone have won only three times at home all season.

He said: “They’re a good side and I’ll be making the players fully aware that anyone who thinks they’re coming for an easy game on Saturday, that won’t be the case.

“They’ve got some very, very good players, they’ve caused a lot of upsets in the FA Cup and Trophy this year, so it’s a tricky one for us.

“It’s a chance to get a win under our belt but we’re going to have to prepare right and do the right things if we’re going to do that.”

Saunders is sick of talking about Maidstone’s home troubles, refusing to accept pressure as an excuse.

He said: “I don’t know if the players are feeling under pressure and if they are, it’s pathetic.

“You can’t be feeling under pressure, you’ve got good support behind you and I’m bored of that excuse.

“There’s pressure on them but they’re putting pressure on themselves by making mistakes.”

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