Maidstone are favourites to beat Boreham Wood in the FA Cup – even though their opponents play a level above them.

But there’s bad news ahead of the game with defender Richard Davies ruled out for the season with an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury.

United have made such an impact in leading the Ryman League, Premier Division that bookmakers are offering a best price of 11/10 to topple Skrill South strugglers Wood at the Gallagher Stadium on Saturday.

Victory in the third qualifying round would leave United one win away from a place in the first round proper, but boss Jay Saunders isn’t fooled by the bookies’ faith. United last played in the first round in 1991-92 – their final season as a Football League club.

Saunders said: “I know a lot of Boreham Wood’s players and they’re confident lads who will be expecting to turn us over. They have a lot of experience in their team and they’re a good side but we’ve got every chance.

“We need to be confident but not over-confident. There’s a big difference between the two but we’ve got a good dressing room and I know our lads aren’t like that.”

Right-back Davies has been ruled out for the season following a scan on the knee injury suffered a fortnight ago at Merstham.

Teenager Jack Sullivan will continue at right-back against Boreham Wood, with captain Steve Watt (leg) and winger Orlando Smith (groin) the only injury doubts.