Maidstone United's promotion hopes are in the balance after the Conference voted against allowing 3G pitches.

Clubs rejected the proposal at an EGM in Telford on Wednesday afternoon.

United will continue their fight to see their artificial turf permitted in Skrill South should they win promotion from the Ryman League Premier Division.

Stones boss Jay Saunders said: "In all honesty, the majority of people at the club were half-expecting a no at this stage.

"The players have just got to get on with it.

"They know the passion of Oliver Ash, Terry Casey (co-owners) and Bill Williams (chief executive) and they are doing everything they can to get 3G pushed through.

"All we can do is keep ourselves in a position to challenge for promotion."

More reaction to follow on www.kentonline.co.uk