Dan’s first returnfor Home start Saunders
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The sides meet on Saturday as part of the deal that took midfielder Sweeney to the Hive for an undisclosed fee last Christmas.
He divided opinion at United but scored the winning penalty in the play-off final at Ebbsfleet.
Maidstone boss Jay Saunders said: “I know he was a bit of a Marmite player for the supporters here but he was someone I thought had a good chance in the game and I still do.
“He’s been unlucky at Barnet. He’s had one or two managers since he’s been there, and he got injured, so it’s been stopstart.
“He’s got all the potential in the world. Whether he fulfils it is down to him.
“He’s someone I think was unfortunate with us as well..
“If he’d been in the side when Stuart Lewis and Reece Prestedge were here, it would have made a big difference to him.
“Before that, there was a lot of pressure on him and Jack Maidstone start the new National League season against two promoted clubs – including a trip to Kent rivals Ebbsfleet. Stones open at home to Maidenhead on Saturday, August 5 and travel to Stonebridge Road to face Fleet three days later on August 8, scene of their dramatic play-off final victory a year ago. One of the biggest games of the season follows on August 12 as Stones go to relegated Leyton Orient. Stones boss Jay Saunders said: “They’re three good games to start the season. “It’s always nice to have the first game at home, although it won’t be easy because Alan Devonshire’s done a brilliant job at Maidenhead. “Ebbsfleet is one I’m looking forward to. “It’s a local derby, it’ll be good under lights and I’m sure there’ll be a big crowd in. “Orient’s one you look out for. They’ve had a lot of turmoil but it’s a massive club and you don’t want to see a club like that in trouble.” There’s a quick reunion with winger Bobby-Joe Taylor as Aldershot visit the Gallagher on August 15. Saunders’ side welcome Wrexham on August 19, go to Sutton on August 26 and end the opening month at home to Dagenham on August 28. A long trip to Hartlepool – the other club relegated from League 2 – awaits on September 2. Maidstone will again visit Dover on Boxing Day, with the return on New Year’s Day. Other highlights include a trip to favourites Tranmere on November 25, with the return on February 24, while Orient visit the Gallagher on December 23. Maidstone finish the campaign at home to FC Halifax on April 28.
Fixtures – page 62