Jay Saunders praised Enfield after the Bostik League side pushed Maidstone all the way in the FA Cup.

After a 2-2 draw at the Gallagher on Saturday, Stones prevailed 3-1 after extra-time in Tuesday night’s replay.

Stones manager Saunders said: “First of all I want to give credit to Enfield.

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“I thought Andy (Leese, manager) set his team up very well over two games.

“They made life very, very difficult for us in the fact that they defended well in numbers and then they were dangerous on the break with a bit of pace up top, and that’s how they got their goal.

“From our point of view, we’ve got to take our chances but the boys showed good character to keep going.

“Extra-time we could have done without but that’s four years running we’ve made the first round proper, which is good.

“I thought over the two games we were the better team and deserved to go through but I take nothing away from Enfield as a club.

“I thought Andy’s side did him proud and also I thought their supporters were excellent.”

Saunders was dreading penalties after blowing three chances from the spot over the two games - Zavon Hines missing out twice on Saturday and Joe Pigott seeing his effort brilliantly saved by Joe Wright in the replay.

But United got the job done in extra-time.

Saunders said: “It’s an unbelievable save from the keeper to push it on to the bar.

“I was just relieved it didn’t go to penalties because I didn’t fancy us tonight.

“I think the way their keeper’s been over penalties it would have put a lot of pressure on our players and I’m sure he would have come out better.”

Read the match report from Maidstone's 3-1 win at Enfield