Two late goals fired Maidstone to victory against high-flying Chelmsford in the National League South on Tuesday night at the Gallagher Stadium.
After a tight first half, the home side took control late on, when captain Sam Corner broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 80th minute.
Moments later, Chelmsford centre half Finley Barbrook saw red after a last-man challenge, before striker Matt Rush added an injury-time clincher in the sixth minute of stoppage time for the Stones.
Victory brings Maidstone just one place outside the play-offs, through goal difference, with two games in hand, a major boost in their promotion challenge.
Speaking after the game, attacker Muhammadu Faal was full of praise for his side after a brilliant second half performance.
“The first 15-20 minutes we started a bit slow,” said Fall at full time. “Gradually, once we got to grips with the game and there was only going to be one winner, to be honest.
“The second half, we came with more energy, more running power and that’s what helped us create the better chances.”
Manager George Elokobi was rewarded with a new contract running until the end of the 2025/26 season last week after his sides remarkable run to the FA Cup fifth round.
Faal made it clear that it was their manager who gave them the fight to come out the better team after the break.
“At half time he mad no secret that they are a good side,” remembered Faal. “But he also told us that we are aswell.
“He told us to continue believing and continue doing what we’re doing.
“He changed the shape slightly. I was playing in the ten, but he changed it to two up front which enabled me to run in behind a bit more.
“I think that pegged back their centre backs a bit more and just that little tactical adjustment, I think won us the game.”
Maidstone were hoping for a change in fortunes going into last night’s clash, winning just one of their last five league matches.
Faal believes that his side’s home form will be key in their chase to the National League.
“We’re usually good at home,” said Faal. “We don’t fear anyone here. The crowd helps so much during nights like this against top teams.
“It gives us that push that we need. Beating these guys gives us a big confidence boost going into the business end of the season
“Now we just have to make sure that we pick up points from the sides not around us.”
Maidstone face a short trip to Dover on Saturday, knowing a win could take them up to fifth and another step towards the play-offs.
