George Elokobi’s reaction as Maidstone United clinch National League South play-off place with 1-0 victory at Farnborough

Maidstone got their tactics spot on to book a National League South play-off place at the first attempt.

United knew they’d be assured of a top-seven finish if they won at in-form Farnborough on Saturday.

That would be no easy task against a side who’d won seven games on the spin but Maidstone were determined to get the job done at the first time of asking.

They didn’t disappoint, with defender Raphe Brown’s second-half header earning the 1-0 victory that got them over the line with three games to spare.

“Coming to an in-form Farnborough, we knew this was the game that if we won, they’ve got no chance of catching us,” said manager George Elokobi. “It was important we looked at it that way.

“That’s a pressure our squad love to be under.

“They embrace that pressure and drive those standards.

“They wanted to do everything to win today and make sure we can go into the other games a little bit relaxed knowing the play-offs have been secured.

“Yes, we want to win every game but it gives us a chance to just enjoy it a little bit while still being as professional as we can.”

Key to victory would be dealing with a barrage of Boro long throws while also stopping them from playing.

The hosts sat outside the play-offs on goal difference following their phenomenal run.

But they were barely given a sniff and can no longer catch fourth-placed Maidstone.

Elokobi said: “As a defender, you always like to keep a clean sheet away from home because it gives you a solid base to build from.

“It’s about making sure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities but also knowing the opposition and their strengths and limitations.

“We knew a big part of it was going to be restarts.

Report: Farnborough 0-1 Maidstone

“That was going to eat up