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FA Cup: Maidstone United chief executive Bill Williams calls for Stevenage repeat against Oldham Athletic

Bill Williams has called on Maidstone to turn back the clock and replicate the FA Cup performance against Stevenage.

The Stones have beaten Leyton Orient and Macclesfield in this season's competition.

But it's that 2014 first-round replay win over Stevenage that stands out for chief executive Williams when he considers what's required against Oldham tomorrow.

Frannie Collin celebrates his opener in the replay win over Stevenage Picture: Martin Apps
Frannie Collin celebrates his opener in the replay win over Stevenage Picture: Martin Apps

United, then in the Ryman League, beat League 2 Stevenage 2-1 on a memorable night at the Gallagher.

A similar display and home atmosphere is required against Oldham, another League 2 outfit, in Saturday's second round.

Williams said: "Whenever you come in against a league club, you have to show them the greatest respect.

"I think back to when we played Stevenage and I hope we can create the same sort of atmosphere.

"The team allowed the crowd to get involved in so much as they put on a performance.

"I’d like to see a repeat of that Stevenage performance.

"That was a great evening for the club and hopefully this will be a great one as well.

"If the players can get up to the level we know they’re capable of, and Oldham are just a little bit off their game, we stand a chance.

Great scenes after Maidstone's win over Stevenage Picture: Martin Apps
Great scenes after Maidstone's win over Stevenage Picture: Martin Apps

"It is a big day for the club. It’s an important day and no one knows how important it’s going to be.

"It’s games like this where we might make a bit of history at this stage of the club’s development.

"We might get to the third round and draw a huge club. You just don't know."

Oldham made the semi-finals of the FA Cup in 1990 and 1994, beaten in replays by eventual winners Manchester United.

They were also in the Premier League in that era.

The Latics are a big name despite sitting mid-table in League 2 these days.

Williams said: "It’s going to be very, very hard for us but we just have to find the same second-half performance we did in the Macclesfield game.

"We’re talking about somebody who has been a Premier League club.

Sonny Miles celebrates Maidstone's FA Cup win over Stevenage Picture: Martin Apps
Sonny Miles celebrates Maidstone's FA Cup win over Stevenage Picture: Martin Apps

"They're not any more but it’s a nice name, it’s been a good club and I’ve got many memories myself of playing there a number of times."

There's £54,000 on offer to the winners but the glory means more to Williams.

He said: "The money so far has already made a difference.

"It does make a difference to your year, as Sutton and Lincoln will tell you from their runs.

"You just don't know where the next game takes you and that's why it's such a good competition.

"I’ve always liked the FA Cup, there’s so much you can get out of it.

"The most important thing is to win a football match and be the top dog.

"Money is immaterial for me. I like to win everything that’s put in front of you, that’s how I get my kicks."

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