Sam Corne beat the nerves to fire Maidstone into the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Corne’s penalty, in first-half injury time, gave the Stones a 1-0 victory over League 1 promotion hopefuls Stevenage and earned top billing on Match of the Day.

The midfielder scored from the spot in a 2-0 league win over Tonbridge on New Year’s Day, going to the keeper’s left.

He went the other way this time as United, fourth in National League South, pulled off a big upset at the Gallagher Stadium.

Corne, the club’s vice-captain, was feeling the pressure as he stepped up.

“I think there’s always nerves - maybe even more today,” he said.

“I thought I’d change where I wanted to go and it paid off. It was a relief.”

Maidstone were the lowest-ranked side in the FA Cup, sitting 69 places below the visitors.

But they produced a performance to be proud of in helping the club reach round four for the first time.

“We knew in our preparations what we needed to do,” said Corne, who pulled off a goalline clearance in the second half.

“It’s a great achievement for everyone, myself and the management and the fans.

“It’s definitely a moment that will stick with me forever.

“You have to have that belief or what’s the point of playing?

“The first 20 minutes we had a foothold and it settled us and we pushed on from that.

“We were always going to ride our luck in the second half. It was always going to be difficult at times when they’re trying to get back into the game.

“Once they didn’t capitalise on a few of their opportunities I thought today might be our day.

“Getting to round one is always a great achievement for a club like us but to get to round four, it’s unheard of. It’s a great occasion and we hope to get a big draw.”

Maidstone players savoured the moment and, with the early 12.30pm kick-off, had plenty of time to celebrate.

But Corne also has half an eye on Tuesday’s rearranged league game at home to Dartford.

“It was pure enjoyment in the changing room,” said Corne.

“You see the boys living in the moment and it’s definitely something we’re going to enjoy tonight but not too much with the game coming on Tuesday.

“At the start of the season, the league was always our aim and we’ve got to continue that.

“Just because we won today doesn’t mean we stop now. We’ve got to get back on the horse and prepare for Tuesday night.”