Leading scorer Frannie Collin believes Maidstone are just as big a club as Sunday’s FA Cup opponents Stevenage.

Boro surged from the Conference to the verge of the Championship between 2010 and 2012 before dropping back into League 2. That means they’re three divisions above the Stones, who are trying to break out of the Ryman League.

But their home gates were less than 2,000 in non-league’s top flight – and Maidstone managed to pull in four-figure gates even in Ryman League Division 1 South.

Collin, who has scored 14 goals in all competitions this season, said: "Stevenage have been in League 1 recently and they’re a team with a big non-league history but size-wise, I don’t think they’re a bigger club than Maidstone.

"I’d be amazed, if it was the other way round, if Stevenage were able to take 1,400 fans to our place. It shows the support we’ve got and the potential of the club to get up there with a club like Stevenage."

Collin, 27, goes into the game with a personal point to prove.

He made only a handful of appearances during his two years as a professional with Gillingham and since they released him, in 2007, he’s carved out a reputation as one of non-league’s most prolific marksmen.

He said: "It’s been a while since I played in the League. I’ve proved myself in non-league and scored a lot of goals but I want to be able to show I can still do it against a League club.

"The FA Cup gives you that opportunity."