Maidstone United are desperate to make the most of new FA Cup rules.

There’s extra incentive to do well this season as 3G pitches are now permitted in all rounds of the competition, rather than qualifying stages only.

Stones start their campaign with a first qualifying round tie against Sussex County League leaders Littlehampton at the Gallagher Stadium on Saturday and United boss Jay Saunders, who reached the second round of the FA Cup as a Margate player, believes it’s time to taste success in management.

He said: “It would be massive to reach the first round proper and draw a Football League side at home. It would mean great exposure for the club and for 3G. There’s also prize money to think about.

“The owners have put a lot of money in and it would be good to help them out by giving something back."

Maidstone go into the tie two points clear at the top of the Ryman League Premier Division. There may be a couple of team changes, but Saunders is wary of the threat posed by Littlehampton.

He said: “It’s a classic banana skin. We’ve had them watched twice and they’re flying in their league. They’re coming here with nothing to lose, so we’ve got to make sure we’re on our game."