Jay Saunders praised his side's attitude as Maidstone United beat Dunstable Town 2-0 to earn their place in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round.

Two goals in five minutes by Alex Osborn and Jay May clinched victory after the visitors were reduced to 10 men early in the second half.

The Maidstone boss predicted a "tough and tricky" afternoon in his programme notes and he was proved right, as Dunstable - 20th in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division - were stubborn opponents.

Saunders said: "It's all about getting through in these ties.

"There is a great deal of expectancy after what we did in the cup last season, and perhaps that's why the crowds have been a bit lower, because they think we should win easily.

"You could say we should have been a bit more clinical in the first half, but Dunstable put so many people behind the ball.

"I was pleased with the boys' attitude and then a bit of quality by Alex Osborn put us in front."

The biggest cheer of the afternoon was reserved for Alex Flisher who came off the bench for his third outing after nine months out with a serious knee injury.

Saunders said: "He just needs games -and there are not many matches at this stage of the season, especially as we don't have a reserve team.

"He'll have another hour against Bearsted when we go there on Wednesday (in a match to celebrate the village club's 120th anniversary and the official switch-on of their new floddlights)."

The Maidstone faithful also got their first glimpse of one of the club's players of the future in teenager Archie Wrigglesworth. A member of the Stones Academy, Wrigglesworth made his senior debut just before the end.

Saunders said: "I think he was a bit shocked when I rang and told him he was on the bench.

"I think he thought he was just coming to help out."

The fourth qualifying round draw will be on www.kentonline.co.uk/sport on Monday morning.