The strangest night of Jack Paxman’s Maidstone career occurred against Macclesfield last season.

It was a fixture that made national headlines with the game postponed because the home team hadn’t arrived.

While visitors Macclesfield were ready and waiting, most of United’s team were stuck in long tailbacks on the M25 following a crash.

Paxman was among those caught in traffic and with only five Stones players reaching the ground, the referee was left with no option.

The clubs meet in the FA Cup first round at the Gallagher on Saturday, with the draw sparking memories of that bizarre night in March.

Paxman said: “I just remember looking at loads of brake lights.

“I’d been at the club a long time and it’s the first time I’d ever struggled that much.

“Sometimes the Dartford Bridge can be a bit iffy but obviously there was a serious accident, so it was something you can’t plan for.

“I left in plenty of time, I know that, and I’m sure everyone else did as well. It’s just unfortunate that we couldn’t make it.

“They were saying if there were seven players they were going to start the game.

“It was a bit ridiculous really but Macclesfield had travelled a long way.

“I travelled in with one of my mates who normally takes me to the games.

“We weren’t even on the bridge yet and the gaffer kept ringing me. I knew I wasn’t the only one.”

Paxman celebrates four years at Maidstone in March and is the longest-serving player after Lee Worgan joined Dover last week.

He said: “When I look back at signing I never thought I would outlast the likes of Lee Worgan.

“I’ve seen two reigns of Steve Watt and obviously Jay Saunders has left.

“I would never have expected it but I’m still here and it’s like a new era now. It’s almost like being at a new club.

“There’s been a lot of changes and now you’re starting to see a different team.”