This decision is another important one for English football, says Maidstone co-owner Oliver Ash

MAIDSTONE UNITED have been told by The Football Association today that they can compete in the Ryman Premier League play-offs at the end of the season - if they finish in a play-off place.

The Stones, unbeaten in 21 home league games this season, have slipped down to fifth-place in the table with 71 points from 41 games.

They are 14 points adrift of league leaders Wealdstone, so will have to settle for a play-off place in their last five league games.

A club have issued the following statement on their website www.maidstoneunitedc.co.uk: “Maidstone United will be able to compete in the Ryman Premier Division play-offs if they finish second to fifth at the end of the season.

“A Football Association appeal panel unanimously agreed that the club should be enter to take part in the knockout competition for promotion to Conference South.

“The Ryman League told the club in February they would not be eligible for the play-offs because of the Football Conference rule against artificial pitches but the FA panel has given the green light for Maidstone to challenge for promotion.”

Maidstone United’s co-owner Oliver Ash said: “The Football Association has continued its stance of embracing artificial football turf with its decision today.”

The Frenchman added: “Whatever happens with our promotion push in the next few days, this decision is another important one for English football as a whole.”

Maidstone United’s Gallagher Stadium will be hosting the Kent Women’s Cup Final for the first time when holders Gillingham face rivals Charlton Athletic on Thursday, 10 April (7:45pm).
 
The showpiece final was held at Sevenoaks Town's Greatness Park, but with women’s football taking a larger profile nowadays The Kent FA have decided to switch the venue to Maidstone United this season.

The move has been welcomed by Gillingham Ladies’ spokesperson Charlotte Richardson.

“This in itself is big news for the club as it’s the first time the Women’s Cup Final will be hosted at an elite venue,” she said.

“We hope to get as many people down there to reflect the move made by the Kent FA to host it at such a venue.  Furthermore, the club is looking to win the Cup for a third time in a row.”

League leaders Gillingham play fourth-placed Charlton Athletic in The FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division at Chatham Town’s Maidstone Road ground on Sunday, 6 April (2pm).

The Addicks are four points adrift, although the Gills have a game in hand.

Gillingham then travel to Boreham Wood to play Super League (and Premier League) giants Arsenal in The FA Women’s Cup Fifth Round on Sunday, 13 April (2pm).

Ms Richardson added: “As current holders and one of the best women’s teams in the world, the chance to travel to Arsenal is simply a once in a lifetime opportunity for our players, coaches and staff.

“We want to raise the profile of the club, show people in Kent there’s a women’s team to get behind – and you never know, we may even pinch a result!”

Meanwhile, Maidstone United boss Jay Saunders has handed striker Jack Harris a one-year contract.

The 20-year-old made the move from last season’s FA Vase finalists Tunbridge Wells in October 2013 and has made 15 appearances for the Stones.

He also had a loan spell with Ryman League Division One South side Faversham Town, scoring three goals in six appearances.

Saunders told the club website: “I am delighted to get this deal done. Jack’s a good age and if he can score goals consistently at this level, I think he’s got a big future ahead of him.

“The loan to Faversham helped him. Since he’s come back he’s got his chance, he’s taken it and has the shirt on merit.  With a run of games and some goals, he’ll be a big player for us.”

Harris added: “I am absolutely delighted. It’s been like a dream since I joined the club. It’s moving forward and I want to be part of it.

“Following the injury earlier this season I was a bit unsure what would happen next season but when Jay said he wanted me to stay on I was over the moon and very happy to sign.

“Since I’ve been at Maidstone I feel I’ve come on leaps and bounds as a player. I’ll be working on my fitness over the summer and with a good pre-season under my belt, I’ll be ready to go for next season and I can’t wait for that.”

The Stones, who are one point clear of sixth-placed Kingstonian, travel to sixteenth-placed Bury Town on Saturday.

The Gallagher Stadium will stage the Ryman League Cup Final Sponsored by Robert Dyas next Tuesday, 8 April, when Maidstone United play AFC Sudbury.

The Suffolk side are currently in tenth-place in the Ryman League Division One North table.

Maidstone United’s highly-successful Academy led by Jack Parkinson will travel to Crawley Town’s Broadfield Stadium to play Eastbourne Borough in the Football Conference Youth Alliance League Cup Final on Wednesday 7 May.  Kick-off is at 7:00pm.

Visit Maidstone United’s website: www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

Bury Town  v  Maidstone United
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 5^th April 2014
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Ram Meadow, Cotton Lane, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 1XP