Callum Driver has already seen enough to know Maidstone will be a force in Vanarama National League South this season.

Driver, a summer signing from Dartford, made his Stones debut at Sutton on the opening day before impressing in the midweek Kent derby against Ebbsfleet at the Gallagher Stadium.

The 22-year-old said: “It’s mixed emotions. After getting a win on Saturday, it was a little bit disappointing to come off after a defeat to a good Ebbsfleet side on Tuesday.

“I felt comfortable at Sutton. I’m used to playing at that level and didn’t feel out of place. We started slowly but grew into the game and showed we can perform at this level.

“Joe Healy’s goal put the team on the front foot. After that, we took it to the next level and Sutton couldn’t deal with it.

“There is pressure on the first game because everyone’s worried about how the season will start but a goal like that lifts everyone’s spirits.”

Healy’s long-range strike and an Alex Akrofi header earned Maidstone a 2-0 win on Sutton’s new 3G pitch at Gander Green Lane.

Driver and his new team-mates then walked out in front of a record crowd to face title favourites Ebbsfleet three days later.

He said: “They’re going to be the standout side. They were very good – but we’re very good on our day as well. I don’t think we’ll be too far off at the end of the season."