Jay Saunders praised Callum Driver after the Maidstone defender returned at Boreham Wood.

Right-back Driver, making just his second start since breaking his foot at Aldershot in August, was outstanding in the goalless FA Trophy draw on Saturday.

He snuffed out the threat of Wood winger Anthony Jeffrey, as did Tom Mills with Bruno Andrade on the other flank, as Maidstone kept only their third clean sheet of the season.

Driver played against Woking last month but has otherwise been nursed back to fitness.

But with Seth Twumasi away on work commitments, he took his chance and put talk of going out on loan to bed.

Stones boss Saunders said: “Their front three are a handful and I thought our two full-backs were superb, especially Callum Driver, who’s been out for a few weeks.

“To be fair, their left winger is absolutely rapid and a real handful.

“I’d spoken to Callum about possibly going out on loan. I didn’t want to do that to be honest, I want to keep him around us and with the squad size we’ve got I couldn’t afford to.

“He works very hard in training, he does loads extra and it was a case of just being a little bit patient - Seth had played really well - and he’s come in and showed us what a good player he is.”

Saunders was pleased with Maidstone’s display and felt they should have won at the first attempt.

He said: “I thought it was a good away performance. I think if our final ball’s better today we probably win the game.

“We’ve had some good chances and defended really well. I’m just a bit disappointed we haven’t nicked it.”

The sides meet again at the Gallagher on Tuesday night.

The draw for the second round takes places tomorrow.

Read the match report from Maidstone's 0-0 draw at Boreham Wood