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Jason Lillis recalls the old England v Wales rivalry ahead of Maidstone United's FA Cup tie at Wrexham

Jason Lillis in action for Maidstone at Peterborough in 1989, their first game in the Football League Picture: Barry Hollis
Jason Lillis in action for Maidstone at Peterborough in 1989, their first game in the Football League Picture: Barry Hollis

Former Maidstone favourite Jason Lillis remembers Wrexham as one of the most intimidating places to go during United’s Football League days.

Stones’ FA Cup second-round tie on Saturday will be their first visit to the Racecourse Ground in more than 20 years.

They lost 4-2 in north Wales in April 1990, drew 2-2 in April 1991 and left with a goalless draw in January 1992, their final season in the old Division 4 before going bust.

A young Lillis, now Lordswood manager, thrived on the experience and was even linked with a move to Wrexham.

He said: “I liked playing there. It was a big ground and Wales used it as their main international stadium at the time.

“Brian Flynn was the manager and he was interested in taking me to Wrexham at one point.

“It’s a hard place to go and it was quite hostile being up there in north Wales.

“Things have changed a bit now but it will still be very tough.

“Back then the whole England v Wales thing came into it and it was a bit fraught at times.

“When we stayed in the hotel, the staff would only speak in Welsh to you and you’d be thinking ‘okay then, that’s how it is’.

“The ground’s changed from when I played there too.

“The massive terrace behind the goal, which was full back then, is closed.”

Jason Lillis in his role as Lordswood manager
Jason Lillis in his role as Lordswood manager
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