Maidstone United could be closing in on another 3G breakthrough after intervention from FA chairman Greg Dyke.

The Conference revealed they will hold 3G talks with the FA and Football League following a letter from Mr Dyke on the day the FA ruled United can take part in the Ryman League Premier Division play-offs.

Stones co-owner Oliver Ash has welcomed the news and believes Mr Dyke's letter is another sign of the FA's commitment to 3G.

Conference bosses have so far resisted calls to allow 3G pitches but that didn't stop the FA giving United permission to contest the play-offs, should they qualify, even though they couldn't go up without a rule change.

A Conference statement said: "At a meeting on April 3 the Football Conference board discussed a letter sent on April 2 to its chairman Brian Lee by the chairman of the Football Association, Greg Dyke, concerning the use of artificial turf pitches.

"The Conference directors unanimously agreed to seek a joint meeting as soon as possible with representatives of the Football Association and the Football League to discuss matters of common interest relating to the use of artificial surfaces.

"The Conference will issue a further statement once that meeting has taken place."

United co-owner Mr Ash told Kent Online: "The letter from Greg Dyke and reaction from the Conference asking for a meeting with the FA and Football League is yet another positive sign that the FA are now serious getting 3G allowed throughout the English game.

"Hundreds of football clubs at all levels could benefit from there initiatives. We welcome this news."