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Hat-trick puts Stones on FA Cup trail

KENT League champions Maidstone United caused one of the shocks of the FA Cup preliminary round with a 3-2 win away at Tonbridge Angels.

A crowd of more than 1,000 saw 40-year old former Gillingham favourite Steve Butler score a superb hat-trick as Stones ended the Dr Martens Eastern Division side's unbeaten record this season.

Maidstone took the lead on 35 minutes when Adrian Webster crossed low for Butler to stroke the ball past Joe Radford, but Angels responded almost immediately when veteran Steve Portway was bundled over in the box and he converted the penalty.

The home side went into the break in front when Ryan Royston netted from close range after a succession of corners.

But Maidstone were level within 20 seconds of the restart when Steve Marshall was fouled in the box and Butler scored from the spot.

Butler grabbed the winner on 77 minutes when he combined well with Steve Marshall in the box and turned and shot low under Radford.

Maidstone must wait to see who they will play in the first qualifying round after Newport IOW and Blackham & Langley drew 1-1 on Saturday.

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