Maidstone's FA Cup clash with Dunstable gives opportunity for Alex Flisher as boss Jay Saunders contemplates different personnel
Published: 00:01, 09 October 2015
Boss Jay Saunders is considering changes for Maidstone’s FA Cup third qualifying round tie against Dunstable.
United have won five games in a row with the same starting XI but Saunders may tinker when the Southern League Premier Division strugglers visit the Gallagher Stadium on Saturday.
He said: “The players who’ve not been in the team understand we’ve been on a great run.
“I’m quite open and say I’m not one for changing a winning team unless I have to, or I think it’s the right thing to do. We might be at that stage now where I do make one or two changes.”
That could even mean a start for Alex Flisher, who played 45 minutes in an under-18 game against Charlton on Monday night as he steps up his return from a long-term knee injury.
Saunders said: “He was a bit knackered afterwards but it was good to get him more minutes. The advantage he has over a lot of people is the confidence to come back and put himself about. It’s the only way he knows.”
Dunstable are just outside the relegation zone in their league but are not to be underestimated. They have a striker in Geoff Mitchell, signed from Scottish Championship club Alloa, who once interested Maidstone.
Saunders said: “Results haven’t been going their way but they’re a good side. Geoff Mitchell, the lad who’s come down from Scotland, is someone I looked at last season."
In the event of a draw, the replay will take place at Dunstable on Tuesday (7.45pm).
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Craig Tucker