George Elokobi says Maidstone’s FA Cup third-round tie against Stevenage is a win-win moment for the club - whatever the score.

A capacity crowd of 4,200 will be at the Gallagher Stadium on Saturday (12.30pm) as National League South United attempt to reach the fourth round for the first time in their history.

Tickets sold out in days, with the team’s magnificent run capturing the imagination of the town.

Maidstone are huge underdogs against a Boro outfit who are seventh in League 1 and fighting for back-to-back promotions under former Gillingham manager Steve Evans.

George Elokobi’s men upset League 2 Barrow in the previous round but will need to be even better to beat Stevenage and secure prize money of £105,000.

“It’s a huge step up,” said Elokobi, whose side are 69 places below Boro in the football pyramid and the lowest-ranked team left in the competition.

“As good as Barrow were, third in League 2 when they came here, we are up against Stevenage, who are flying high in League 1.

“It’s going to be an uphill task for our players and we have to be at our absolute, absolute best to pull off a shock like we did in the last round because they are a very good side, with an experienced manager, and I’m sure they won’t take us lightly.

“They have to show us a little bit of respect as well, as much we’re paying them all the respect.

“It’s all on the day. We’re going to give a good account of ourselves as a football club in our preparation and we have to make sure we go out there and enjoy the occasion. There’s nothing to be scared of.

“Our players have to enjoy competing against League 1 opposition.

“It’s going to be a great occasion for us to celebrate. It’s a fantastic game to have so we can look forward to it.

“When the game starts, in terms of percentages, our chances are very low at the moment.

“But we have to be confident, we have to be brave but, more so, we have to make sure we prepare right.

“If we do things the right way, you never know, like I said in the last round.

“It’s about the 90, 95 or 100 minutes.

“With a little bit of luck, you never what can happen in a game but we have to make sure we do our bit as a football club and we’ll be ready to give a good account of ourselves.

Stones legend Butler's FA Cup memories

Remembering the last time Maidstone played Stevenage

“Win, draw or lose, it’s a win-win game for our football club.

“It’s a game we have to look back on at how far we’ve come and how well we’ve done in the competition.

“And we have to be hopeful that we can go one step better.”

Elokobi has some decisions to make in attack with Matt Rush and Timmy Abraham both cup-tied, while Razzaq Coleman De-Graft’s contract has been terminated by mutual consent.

United switched to 4-3-3 for the Christmas and New Year double-header against Tonbridge.

If they stick with that against Stevenage, Liam Sole and Lamar Reynolds could play either side of Sol Wanjau-Smith.

Then again, it could be a different system altogether.

Elokobi said: “It’s a shame for the players who are cup-tied but we’ve got other players to step in.

“Everyone has deserved a place in the team and those who can’t play will wish the others well.

“It would have been brilliant to have both of them available but it’s not the case.

“Whoever plays will give their best and I’m sure our supporters will be in fine voice again.

“It was good to send them home with three points on New Year’s Day (2-0 victory) and when they come on Saturday they can bring that noise that they know how to create here at the Gallagher in big games.”

Defender Paul Appiah is available after Maidstone extended his loan from Championship leaders Leicester but midfielder Michael Petrasso has returned to Canada following the end of his loan.

Midfielder Bivesh Gurung, who scored the winner in the last round, is ruled out through suspension.

The Stevenage squad includes ex-Stones midfielder Dan Sweeney and former Spurs youngster Harvey White, who was born in Maidstone.