Maidstone United stand between Enfield Town and a debut FA Cup first round appearance in their history, following a 3-0 win over Phoenix Sports at Queen Elizabeth II Stadium on Saturday.

A pair of early goals calmed any nerves of a cup upset in the third qualifying round tie against Phoenix, who play in the South Division of the Bostik League, after a touch of fortune put the hosts on their way to victory inside seven minutes.

Mario Noto’s cross sailed over visiting goalkeeper Steve Phillips, who had a difficult afternoon in north-east London, and began by picking the ball out of the back of his net.

His second job was a little harder but he struggled with it, dropping a high ball from the right under pressure, and allowing Simon Thomas to back-heel into the net to put Enfield in full control early on.

Ryan Blake could have piled further misery on him before half-time when he rounded the stranded goalkeeper but, with better options in the middle, opted to go for goal on his own which allowed Zak Byron time to get back and slice clear.

A free-kick from Ashley Probets provided the visitors’ first chance of the afternoon, and just after the half-an-hour mark Aaron Greene allowed Phillips to register a welcome save.

The keeper’s torrid afternoon continued after the break when he was yellow carded for hacking down Sam Youngs, but was spared further embarrassment when Ryan Blackman failed to tee up the midfielder from the free-kick.

Blake forced another save from Phillips and blazed over when well-placed as Enfield continued their dominance, with Ben Ward-Cochrane and Noto both going close, the latter striking a well-hit shot off the underside of the crossbar.

Montel Moore scored the goal of the day with three minutes to go, even with the game as good as done as a contest by this point. He noticed a pocket of space in behind the midfield before drifting inside off the wing and side-footing beyond Phillips.

Even then, there were still chances for Ward-Cochrane and George Beattie, before Dajon Golding threatened a late consolation for Phoenix but fluffed his lines.

Enfield were back in league action at home to Hendon in the Bostik Premier Division last night, and will play the second of three consecutive home league games at against Margate on Saturday.