Maidstone United manager George Elokobi showing FA Cup opponents Steyning Town full respect | Stones boss recalls going to Chelsea with Colchester in last-16 tie in 2006

George Elokobi says there are no underdogs as Maidstone United start their FA Cup campaign.

The Stones visit a Steyning Town side who play three levels below them in the Southern Combination League.

Boss Elokobi is treating their opponents with the utmost respect and has made his players fully aware of the task at hand.

He knows United are expected to progress but is aware Steyning will be fired up to play the match of their lives in Saturday’s all-ticket Second Qualifying Round tie (3pm).

“It’s the FA Cup,” said Elokobi.

“We all know we are the bigger club here but, in my opinion, there’s no underdogs in the FA Cup.

“They will be well up for it and if we’re not on our game, we might just be that one that everyone talks about that gets knocked out, so we have to approach it right.

“There’s no extra motivation needed. Our team-talk stays the same and we’re going to carry on helping our group.

“Yes, it’s the FA Cup, but against a lesser opposition that’s going to be playing their cup final against us, so we need to be ready.

“We need to make sure that both in possession and out of possession we are prepared.

“It’s going to be a battle. It’ll be ugly at times in terms of the battle - ugly in a good way - where they are looking to cause an upset so they have to raise their game.

“It’s important we understand that and that’s why we’re going to prepare right for it.

“A club of our size and stature, we want to progress but we have to treat the opposition with respect in our preparations leading up to this game.

“It’s important we look at it, we send scouts to watch them to ensure we have all the information we need about them - their strengths and their weaknesses.”

Maidstone were knocked out by lower-league Needham Market last