Ashford Middlesex was always a tough place to go, says Stones boss Jay Saunders

MAIDSTONE UNITED boss Jay Saunders says he will do his homework ahead of their trip to Ashford Town (Middlesex) in the FA Carlsberg Trophy on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.



The Stones climbed into second place in the Ryman League Division One South table following their 2-0 win over Kent rivals Hythe Town at Bourne Park last night.

An own goal from ex-player, Laurence Harvey, and a first time drive from James Pinnock late on sealed the points against Scott Porter’s side, which puts them only a couple points behind early pacesetters Dulwich Hamlet.

Saunders takes his side to Stanwell to play an Ashford Town (Middlesex) side that play at the same level of football as the Stones.  They lie in eleventh place in the Evostick Southern League Division One Central Division table and are unbeaten at home after six league games.

Saunders said: "Its a tough place to go and isn’t a nice place given that there are huge fuel tanks practically behind one goal, but after playing here (Bourne Park, Sittingbourne) we're used to not playing at "nice" places but we'll go there - hopefully we'll prepare right - and come away with a win.

“I've heard bits and pieces about them, but to be honest I'm not too sure about that League.

“I'll be talking to a few more people in the next couple of days trying to find a bit more out about them, but I'm sure its going to be a tough game.

“Ashford (Middlesex) were always a decent side in the Ryman Prem, and it was always a tough place to go, but as I say, apart from losing to Bognor in the FA Cup at the weekend, we're in a good run of form in the League so we'll go there with confidence looking to win."
 
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Ashford Town (Middlesex)  v  Maidstone United
FA Carlsberg Trophy Preliminary Round
Saturday 8^th October 2011
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Short Lane, Stanwell, Middlesex TW19 7BH