Maidstone limped out of the FA Cup at lower-league Needham Market. Luke Ingram's early goal proved enough as the Southern League hosts bridged a two-division gap to defeat National League Stones in the Fourth Qualifying Round.
United, out of form and low on confidence, could have few complaints, beaten by the better side on the day. Billed by Needham Market as the biggest game in their history, their players were either going to freeze or be bang up for it.
The latter was the case and they deservedly led at half-time against a Stones side who struggled to get going. Needham got the early goal every potential upset needs when they took the lead in the ninth minute.
Jake Dye was the provider with a cross from the left which Ingram won at the back post before finishing. Maidstone occasionally got some football going in midfield, with Regan Booty, Sam Corne and Roarie Deacon combining, while Dylan Barkers used his long legs to bring the ball forward a couple of times, albeit with nothing at the end of it.