JAY SAUNDERS is looking forward to returning to the scene of Maidstone United's National League South promotion final triumph tonight when his side make the short trip to Kent rivals Ebbsfleet United.
The Stones beat Fleet in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in May 2016 to book their place at Non-League's top table.
Daryl McMahon's side bounced back from their disappointment to make it up through the play-offs last season.
And the fixture computer has pitted the two clubs against each other in the first week of the new season.
Saunders, who played for the Fleet during his career and saw his side draw with Maidenhead on the opening day, knows it's a tough test.
“They are a good side,” he said. “Daryl has made some really good signings and, like Maidenhead, they won't give up and they'll play some good football.
“They've got loads of experience in their side – 90 per cent of their squad has played at this level or higher so they'll be a good side. I'm looking forward to it, it's my old club, and it's one we can go back to and enjoy. I'm sure there will be a good crowd.”
Both sides had to settle for a point on the opening day. Ebbsfleet returned from Guiseley with a 2-2 draw while the Stones were pegged back by Maidenhead.
Saunders felt his side should have had the three points wrapped up before substitute Sam Barratt cancelled out Joe Piggot's opener.
“We'll get better,” Saunders said after. “The first game is always hard. The fitness levels felt good but we'll get fitter and we'll get better. The good thing is now we're daytime training we'll get them in Monday morning and I've said to them keep their heads up because on another day we win the game against Maidenhead. It just wasn't to be.
“We move onto Tuesday. If you pick up your next three points as soon as possible it's quickly forgotten about.”
Saunders was particularly pleased with his new-look back four and the impressive central partnership of Josh Hare and Alex Finney.
QPR defender Finney joined on loan on the eve of the new season following Kevin Lokko's departure and had little training time with the squad.
Stones supporters had been surprised to see England C international Lokko move to Stevenage in the week and then complete a season-long loan move to National League rivals Dagenham & Redbridge days later.
But Saunders is remaining philosophical and wishes the 21-year-old well.
“Nothing surprises me in football really,” Saunders said. “Like I said to someone who tweeted me, ‘players come and go', it doesn't surprise me.
“They have advisers and agents and sometimes I think, I don't want to say sell them the dream, but for a lot of young lads it's to get back in the League.
“We were good for Kevin. When we signed him for Welling he didn't have a lot of options. We took him in and gave him 46 games and good luck to him. He's a great kid.
“I know a lot of people are getting on his case but I just think he's had a little bit of bad advice along the way somewhere.
“Not necessarily from his agent, but maybe from Stevenage. I don't think they've dealt with the whole situation very well. They weren't great in dealing with the transfer, which is disappointing.
“But we've had a lot of players go from this club into League clubs and nothing surprises me.”
