By Matthew Panting

Maidstone's first game back in the County Town for 24 years will now be against Championship outfit Brighton.

The Stones had agreed to play Charlton at the new £2.5million Gallagher Stadium on July 14 but Brighton have stepped in after the Addicks pulled out when their pre-season tour to Spain was brought forward.

Chris Powell’s Charlton will still visit Maidstone in pre-season but Brighton, who moved into their a new stadium of their own at the start of this season, will now visit on the same date.

Maidstone chief executive Bill Williams (pictured) said: "Brighton and Maidstone may be leagues apart in the football pyramid but our supporters know all about the dream of a new stadium.

"The Amex Stadium has given Albion a whole new lease of life, propelling the club toward the Premier League. Our homecoming will end a 24-year wait for a new purpose-built facility and start an exciting chapter in the history of this great club."

Brighton manager Gus Poyet said: "We are delighted to be invited to play in a friendly to celebrate the opening of Maidstone’s new ground. We know from our own experiences that these are memorable occasions and how a new stadium can have a hugely positive effect on a club."