Raphe Brown has spoken about the moment he learned of his FA Cup reprieve after Maidstone proved he was a victim of mistaken identity.

Defender Brown faced missing the Stones’ third-round tie against Stevenage on Saturday after a second caution saw him red-carded in the Boxing Day draw at Tonbridge.

Referee Nick Dunn got the wrong man after taking advice from his linesman, with Brown punished instead of Timmy Abraham following a melee in front of the away dugout.

But second yellow cards can be challenged in cases of mistaken identity and Maidstone won their appeal.

It meant Brown could take his place on the bench and he was introduced as a 79th-minute substitute.

He ended up playing as a right-sided forward as United upset their League 1 opponents 1-0 at the Gallagher Stadium to reach round four.

“I was speaking to the club each day and it was kind of a waiting game to see what was going to happen,” said Brown.

“The ball was in the FA’s court. We did all we could as a club.

“We just had to wait for the answer and it worked in our favour.

“The gaffer called me when I was at home and I was very chuffed to know I’d be playing.

“That’s exactly what I wanted and I’m buzzing we’ve gone through and buzzing to come on and play my part.

“I’ve played in every other round so it’s good to be part of the team and help us push on.

“Even though I didn’t start, I was so happy to be part of the occasion and what we did was magnificent.

“The feeling is unexplainable. You just erupt with emotion. I’m so happy.

“Getting this far in the FA Cup, for a non-league team, it’s virtually unheard of, so it’s really good.

“It nearly tops winning the league.”