Maidstone have refused FA Trophy opponents Eastleigh permission to train on the Gallagher Stadium’s 3G pitch.

The big-spending Skrill South leaders made the request ahead of the third qualifying round tie on Saturday.

They wanted to sample the artificial pitch but underdogs United weren’t prepared to move their academy team.

Stones boss Jay Saunders said: “They asked to train on our pitch (on Thursday) which we weren’t prepared to allow. It shows they’re wary of it and it’s like they’re trying to make excuses already in case we beat them.

“They were a bit annoyed. They’ve probably heard from other teams that the pitch makes a difference.

“I’m not being funny but most teams train on 3G these days, so they know how it plays. Our academy were using the pitch when they wanted it and they have to take priority.”

Eastleigh boast several former Football League players, including ex-Charlton striker Stuart Fleetwood. They’re big favourites to beat a Maidstone side who have a number of injury worries.

United are hopeful Steve Watt (groin), Alex Flisher and Jerrome Sobers (both knee) will be fit. But Orlando Smith requires a knee operation and is out for six weeks.

If the tie is settled on Saturday, Maidstone will travel to Whitstable for a rearranged Kent Senior Cup quarter-final clash on Tuesday night.