Maidstone manager Jay Saunders has criticised the Ryman League for making his FA Cup heroes play Dulwich Hamlet this week.

Stones host promotion rivals Hamlet in a rearranged game at the Gallagher Stadium on Wednesday night (7.45pm) having had their request to reschedule in January rejected.

The league ruled the game - postponed on Saturday due to United's FA Cup commitments at Stevenage the next day - must be played this week.

It leaves them little time to recover from their efforts in holding League 2 Boro to a goalless draw for what is a key match with United now five points behind leaders Margate, albeit with four games in hand.

United then welcome AFC Sudbury in an FA Trophy qualifier on Saturday before the Stevenage replay next week.

Saunders said: “I’m not happy with the league. I think it’s ridiculous we’ve got to play it.

"They want you to do well in the cup, so they give you the game off before it, then they’re saying you've got to play Tuesday or Wednesday and when we’re playing on Sunday, I don’t get it really.

"Both clubs were happy to play in January but they’ve made us play it.

"I’m sure Dulwich are happy, probably thinking we’ll be tired.

"If we have to change people, then we’ll do it. If not, we’ll go as we are."