George Elokobi says there are no underdogs as Maidstone United start their FA Cup campaign.

The Stones visit a Steyning Town side who play three levels below them in the Southern Combination League.

Boss Elokobi is treating their opponents with the utmost respect and has made his players fully aware of the task at hand.

He knows United are expected to progress but is aware Steyning will be fired up to play the match of their lives in Saturday’s all-ticket Second Qualifying Round tie (3pm).

“It’s the FA Cup,” said Elokobi.

“We all know we are the bigger club here but, in my opinion, there’s no underdogs in the FA Cup.

“They will be well up for it and if we’re not on our game, we might just be that one that everyone talks about that gets knocked out, so we have to approach it right.

“There’s no extra motivation needed. Our team-talk stays the same and we’re going to carry on helping our group.

“Yes, it’s the FA Cup, but against a lesser opposition that’s going to be playing their cup final against us, so we need to be ready.

“We need to make sure that both in possession and out of possession we are prepared.

“It’s going to be a battle. It’ll be ugly at times in terms of the battle - ugly in a good way - where they are looking to cause an upset so they have to raise their game.

“It’s important we understand that and that’s why we’re going to prepare right for it.

“A club of our size and stature, we want to progress but we have to treat the opposition with respect in our preparations leading up to this game.

“It’s important we look at it, we send scouts to watch them to ensure we have all the information we need about them - their strengths and their weaknesses.”

Maidstone were knocked out by lower-league Needham Market last season.

Then-boss Hakan Hayrettin was so disturbed by the manner of their 1-0 defeat, he offered to give up his wages.

There are a couple of survivors in the Stones ranks in what is otherwise a new squad.

“We don’t talk about last year - last year has gone,” said Elokobi.

“We can’t change the past.

“Hopefully we’ll put on a good performance this year.

“The group that’s out there starting the game and the guys on the bench, it’s up to them, and it’s up to the management team to make sure we help them with our tactical points and our game plan.

“We have to make sure we impose ourselves positively in a game like this.

“It’s important for us to take it seriously, which we will.”

Elokobi has fond memories of the FA Cup as a player.

He was with Colchester when they reached the last 16 in 2006, taking the lead away to Premier League champions Chelsea.

The young left-back was on the bench as Jose Mourinho’s side completed a 3-1 comeback victory in the second half.

“That was the first time I ever went to Stamford Bridge,” said Elokobi. “I was on the bench, almost coming on.

“Just being part of that day spurred me on.

“We ended up losing 3-1 because they made three substitutions and there was no way we could get near them.

“It was game over before we opened our eyes.

“The big guns took over but it was a fantastic day for the football club.

“For me, as an individual, I just wanted more.

“I got a shirt that day that was signed by every single player who played in that game.

“I told the Chelsea players in four years’ time I’ll be playing against you in the Premier League, and it happened, so you use moments like that to spur you on.

“The FA Cup has got the magic and it’s important our players understand the magnitude of this competition.

“It’s a great competition to be a part of.”