by Alex Hoad

Reinstated Maidstone go into Saturday's FA Trophy second round clash at Salisbury with nothing to lose and everything to gain, claims joint-boss Lloyd Hume.

After Monday’s hearing at the FA, Histon were thrown out of the competition after being found guilty by their own admission of fielding an ineligible player in the first round tie at Homelands earlier this month.

The Stones were also awarded the £5,000 prizemoney from the game.

Hume, pictured, said: "I’m confident in the ability of my players to go to Salisbury and get a result.

"They are strong, if it weren’t for their 10-point deduction they would be sixth or seventh in the Conference. On paper they are stronger than Ebbsfleet or Histon.

"We perform better away from home and on decent pitches and we have nothing to lose.

"They are expected to win and win well. It all suits us. I would prefer to go in as the underdog."

Stones go into the game at full-strength, with only long-term absentee Ashley Ulph (knee) unavailable.