Pitching In Southern Football League Premier Division South club Poole Town face one of non-League football`s true giants today when they travel to Kent to play a delayed Buildbase FA Trophy Second Round tie.
However, despite their history, Maidstone have a relatively poor Trophy record, reaching the quarter-finals on three occasions – the last time being in 2018/19 when they were defeated by Stockport County 4-1 on aggregate.
The Dolphins, who topped the table before the season was once more temporarily halted, beat Southern Division One South side Willand Rovers 3-1 in the First Round with Tony Lee scoring twice from the penalty spot and Will Fletcher getting the other goal with a header, but face a much tougher test against the Stones if they are to host another Southern Division One South outfit, Frome Town, in the Third Round on Tuesday – Frome having received a bye due to Maidstone`s league rivals Hampton & Richmond Borough withdrawing due to Covid-19 issues.
Unfortunately, the match must be played behind closed doors as Kent is in Tier 3, but Poole face a Maidstone side who have drawn their last three games and haven`t won since hammering Concord Rangers 6-0 on October 31st.
Maidstone are managed by Hakan Hayrettin (left), who took over from veteran John Still earlier this year after being head coach.
He began his career as an apprentice with Leyton Orient, turning professional in July 1988, before going on to play for the likes of Barnet, Wycombe Wanderers under Martin O`Neill, Cambridge United and Boreham Wood.
He has previously managed Waltham Forest, Thurrock, Grays Athletic and Braintree Town.
On the playing front, Maidstone possess one of the most experienced strikers around the non-League scene in 34-year-old Scott Rendell (right), who joined in the summer after being a prolific marksman for the likes of Woking, Luton Town, Aldershot Town and Eastleigh.
Another familiar name in the Stones squad is vastly experienced former Wolves defender George Elokobi.
An intriguing tie at the Gallagher Stadium – it`s just a shame they`ll be no-one in the ground to see it!
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