Manager Jay Saunders can’t understand the negativity surrounding Maidstone’s FA Cup draw.

United host League 1 high-fliers Rochdale in the first round on Sunday, November 6. The tie will feature on BBC's Final Score programme and earn the Stones £12,500 in TV cash.

It’s the third year running United have pulled a Football League club, but there’s been a mixed reaction among fans following Monday night’s draw.

Saunders said: “I’ve seen a few supporters who’ve said, ‘oh it’s not a very good draw’.

“Don’t get me wrong, you look at League 1 and see clubs like Sheffield United, but at the end of the day the whole idea of the FA Cup for non-league clubs is to make some money and get a crack at the full-time teams.

“We’ve been very fortunate to reach the first round three years running and draw a Football League club.

“If we had Gillingham or Charlton away it would probably be more attractive, but we’ve got a League 1 club at home and you’d like to think it’ll be a sell-out. If it isn’t, I’ll be very disappointed.

“When we moved back to the town, you’d have bitten your arm off to play a League 1 team at home.

“I don’t get all the negativity.

“You could draw a really big side but equally you could draw a low team and go out, and then you’ve missed your chance to get a league club.”

Maidstone are in National League action at home to Gateshead on Saturday.