Maidstone’s FA Cup heroes are back on the promotion trail this weekend and looking to pile the pressure on Ryman League Premier Division leaders Margate.

United reached the end of their incredible cup run when they were knocked out 3-1 at Wrexham on Saturday. But with his players’ confidence as high as the club's profile, manager Jay Saunders hopes Stones can draw on their cup experience during what promises to be an enthralling race for the championship.

Second-placed Maidstone go into Saturday’s home game against Bognor Regis five points behind Gate with four games in hand and Saunders said: "The cup run has caught everyone’s imagination and we’ve got to keep that buzz going.

"If we’re in with a chance of winning the league, in the last month or two we’ll have sell-out crowds every week.

"But we’ve got to take it a game at a time. Margate have got a lot of money and they’ve signed some good players but look at Dulwich, Bognor and Hendon – they’re good sides, too.

"It is going to be tough but the cup run has given the lads a lot of confidence. It’s about putting that into practice now."

Maidstone have lost just one of their last 34 home league games but that defeat came against this weekend’s opponents. Bognor won 2-1 at the Gallagher Stadium in April and the result contributed to United missing out on the play-offs.

Skipper Steve Watt (thigh) is Saunders’ only injury concern.

Maidstone follow the Bognor clash with a trip to Billericay on Monday night.

Pick up the Kent Messenger for full Stones coverage.