Ben Brookes on his promotion prospects with Maidstone United after double play-off disappointment in the past two years

Ben Brookes is determined to take the final step with Maidstone this season and win promotion from National League South.

Brookes twice reached the play-offs at former club Chelmsford, with last season’s disappointment particularly hard to take.

City scored twice at the death to force extra-time in their semi-final with Braintree, only to lose 3-2.

The Iron would go on to beat Worthing - conquerors of Maidstone - 4-3 in the final.

“I definitely want to go that one step further,” said Brookes.

“I’ve been in the play-offs twice at Chelmsford and I don’t really want to do that again.

“I want to win it automatically but if comes down to the play-offs, I believe in third time lucky.

“It was gutting last season, especially the way we lost.

“Getting back from 2-0 down to 2-2, it felt really good. I felt the momentum would carry on to extra-time but to go out the way we did was heartbreaking.

“Honestly, that’s something I never, ever want to experience again as a footballer.

“If it comes to it again and we’re in the play-offs, I’m going to make sure I do win it this time, 100%.”

There was plenty of time for play-off reflection before Brookes completed his summer move to league rivals Maidstone.

He added: “I’m not going to lie, I was thinking about the game for a week or two after.

“I was thinking about it, day in, day out, possible things I could have done.

“I watched the game back twice and highlights were coming out on every single YouTube platform.

“To watch the game again and again, I was looking at things when I had the ball, things I could have done better.

“At the end of the day, it’s a learning curve and I’m still young and still improving.

“I know now when it comes to certain decisions, I will make them right and