Maidstone United face starting the Ryman League, Premier Division campaign without defender James Peacock after his sending-off in Tuesday’s 3-1 pre-season defeat at Hythe.

Peacock, pictured, was earlier booked for dissent and was shown a straight red for foul and abusive language by Ramsgate referee Nick Harnett.

Stones boss Peter Nott, already without fellow defender Jermaine Darlington, who is banned for the first three games, said: "I was disappointed with the referee and thought he was ultra-fussy and picky.

"The linesman had just asked me to keep an eye on James because he felt he was getting frustrated and said he’d speak to the referee but 30 seconds later he reacted to another decision and was sent off.

"James has got to learn that he can’t go around swearing at people."

Meanwhile, midfielder Joe Fuller has been released as Nott prepares to trim his squad further after games at Thamesmead on Saturday and Romford on Tuesday.