Maidstone boss Jay Saunders felt his side were unlucky to leave Margate empty-handed.

United created the better chances but were beaten by a Ryan Moss goal early in the second half at Hartsdown Park on Tuesday night.

Captain Steve Watt claimed his strike had crossed the line as United looked for an equaliser and that the visitors should have had a penalty for a handball in the follow-up.

Watt was also adamant his late header shouldn't have been ruled out for offside.

Saunders said: "I think we deserved to get something out of the game.

"We had the better chances but if you don't take them or certain decisions don't go for you, the better sides have the quality to punish you and it was a great finish from Moss.

"Overall I'm pleased that we've gone to the title favourites and put on a good performance.

"I don't think many teams will go there and take the game to them like we did.

"The boys were down after we lost at Tonbridge (Stones' only other defeat this season) because we didn't play well.

"They were disappointed not to get anything at Margate but they know we played well and weren't far off."