Maidstone United 4 Enfield Town 0 match report: Substitute Shaq Coulthirst scores 13-minute hat-trick as Stones go second in National League South

Substitute Shaq Coulthirst scored a 13-minute hat-trick as Maidstone climbed to second place in National League South.

Coulthirst had his best day in a Stones shirt after replacing the injured Sol Wanjau-Smith during the second half.

He bagged a rapid treble, adding to Ben Brookes’ penalty opener, as George Elokobi’s side made it seven wins in a row and extended their unbeaten run to 18 games.

The onus was firmly on Maidstone to break down a stubborn Enfield side who got men behind the ball and, understandably, showed little ambition.

Maidstone bossed possession, carving out several half-chances early on, but anything clear-cut was proving hard to come by against their determined opponents.

George Fowler sent an effort over and worked keeper Rhys Forester with a low strike, while Charlie Seaman fired wide from 20 yards.

Midway through the half, space opened up for Jordan Higgs, who sent his shot into the stand, Corne’s strike went out for a corner off defender Billy Leonard, and Fowler headed on to the roof of the net following a neat move involving Seaman, Ben Brookes and Corne.

Maidstone’s persistence paid off when they took the 35th-minute lead from the penalty spot.

Referee Tommy Breen pointed to the spot after Brookes’ free-kick was handled, and it was Brookes who stepped up, sending Forester the wrong way.

Sam Youngs had a header tipped over by Alexis Andre Jr as Enfield opened up after falling behind.

Soon after, Henry Hawkins planted a free header wide from a corner when well-placed to equalise.

Tayt Trusty tried his luck for the Stones after Temi Eweka and Aaron Blair combined at the start of the second half.

Blair’s pass then released Seaman before the hour mark but Forester came off his line to make the save.