Fixtures spell out club’s progress
The size of Maidstone’s achievement in reaching the National League hit home when the fixtures were released. United and openingday opponents York City were two divisions apart last season, with the Minstermen coming down from League 2 while Maidstone won the National South play-offs. The August 6 clash at the Gallagher is followed by trips to two more ex-League clubs, with Stones visiting Aldershot on August 9 and Chester on August 13. Braintree, who made last season’s play-offs, are at the Gallagher on August 16, then Stones travel to the biggest club in the division, Tranmere, on August 20. Stones boss Jay Saunders said: “Whoever we got first was going to be tough but it’s nice to be at home. “York have had a big turnover of players – they signed someone we were interested in – and they are going to be a good side. “It’s a great game for our supporters to have, against a team who have come down from League 2. “It hits home when you reel off all these names like Aldershot, Chester and Tranmere. “They’re all ex-Football League clubs and now we know who we’re playing it gives the boys something to focus on. Everyone’s buzzing for it. We can’t wait. “It’s a bit different to when we first came back to Maidstone and were waiting for the fixtures to come out. We had Walton & Hersham on the first day and now we’re playing York. “Conference National is an extension of League 2. “We’ll be one of the favourites to struggle but we’ve worked hard to reach this level and now the boys have a chance to prove themselves.” Saunders, who is hoping to complete another signing this week, takes Maidstone to Folkestone for their first pre-season friendly on Tuesday night (7.45pm). United are the opponents for Invicta defender Josh Vincent’s testimonial. Saunders said: “The majority of the side will be first team and there’s a couple of lads I want to have a look at. “I’ve no idea what the starting XI will be yet but we haven’t got a massive squad and there aren’t loads of trialists.” Stones are at Sevenoaks on Thursday night (7.45pm). Other friendlies: July 16 Welling (a), July 19 Ashford (a), July 23 Concord (h), July 26 Leatherhead (a), July 28 Faversham (a).