Jay May is free to play in Maidstone’s FA Cup tie at Wrexham after a successful appeal against a three-game ban.

May was sent off for an alleged elbow during the FA Trophy defeat by Sudbury a fortnight ago but the FA upheld his appeal – much to the striker’s surprise.

He’ll now be available for the second round clash in Wales next weekend.

May said: “I’m not saying the FA always back the referees but it is hard to win an appeal.

“The FA have made the right decision and I’m just so pleased. It wouldn’t have killed my season exactly but I’d have been gutted to miss Wrexham and important league games. I’ve played in every game to help get us where we are in the cup."

Stones boss Jay Saunders is relieved to have May available.

“It’s the right decision but you do worry the FA might not have even looked at it,” he said.

“The lads know what Jay offers us and how important he is. You saw against Stevenage, he bullied their centre-halves. He’s just such a physical presence but his touch is good as well."