Maidstone United are used to playing in front of big crowds but the backing from travelling supporters at Stevenage was something else.

Almost 1,400 fans behind the goal at Broadhall Way for Sunday's FA Cup first round tie generated an atmosphere that will live long in the memory.

Local lad Alex Flisher said: “You can’t prepare for that support. Walking out in front of that lot was unbelievable.

“From the first minute to the last they didn’t stop, which is fantastic. We were under the cosh in the last few minutes but with their singing it gives you a lift. We squeezed up the pitch and kept them out.

“The fans were brilliant, the players were brilliant – everyone. It was a great day for the club and hopefully we can do the business in the replay.”

Jay Saunders’ United held their own in the 0-0 draw against League 2 Boro and Flisher felt they might even have won.

He said: “We were confident from the beginning. We came into it knowing they’re three leagues above us but the Welling game, in the last round, we got the ball down and played football and, as Jay said before the game, on our day we can match anyone."

Flisher added: “You want to win the game at the first attempt but they’ve hit the post a couple of times in the last five minutes, so at the end we’re lucky to get what we’ve got.”