STONES CAN ROLL AGAIN!
LEE WORGAN says Maidstone United are living proof of what a sprinkling of FA Cup magic can do.
The Stones were a Ryman Premier club when they beat Stevenage in the first round proper two years ago.
They went on to win the title that season before grabbing a second successive promotion through the National League South play-offs last season.
Keeper Worgan believes claiming a Football League
MAIDSTONE UTD v ROCHDALE
scalp helped propel Jay Saunders’ side, who take on League One high-flyers Rochdale today, up to Non-League’s top table. “It’s funny because you crave that feeling again,” Worgan told The NLP. “Every time the FA Cup comes around you’re really hoping to go far. “It’s been a weird feeling this year because we’ve obviously come into the competition a lot later than the previous years. You win one game and you’re in the first round whereas before we’ve had a lot more games and you’re almost riding that wave.
“But you crave those big games and I think that’s been the driving force in our successive promotions.
“It all started from that game with Stevenage when we did so well in the FA Cup.
Journey
“We then went onto win the league that year and it hasn’t stopped really – the hunger to succeed. That FA Cup moment a couple of years ago has carried us through to now. “Our club is the perfect example of where the FA Cup can give you that platform. You get a little taste of success, what it’s like to play in front of the cameras and that feeling around the stadium. It’s never really left the club, even now.
“It’s been crazy to explain what’s happened the last couple of years but I believe it started from that FA Cup run.”
Worgan was the Stones’ penalty shoot-out hero as they beat Ebbsfleet United in the play-off final.
Boss Saunders says he hasn’t seen a better keeper in the division than the former Tonbridge Angels stopper – and the 32year-old says he’s loving the challenge.
“It’s been a different season for me,” Worgan said. “In the past I’ve only really been called upon to make saves at vital times – I’ve been stood there watching the boys win!
“I knew I’d be involved a bit more this year and I’ve had the opportunity to make a lot more saves.
“You’re obviously conceding lots more goals, but that’s down to the quality in the league.
“But it’s been enjoyable. It’s just been a brilliant journey for the club and hopefully it can continue.”