Maidstone United boss George Elokobi on 1-0 National League South win at home against Torquay United

Manager George Elokobi gave top marks to Maidstone’s players after their vital victory over Torquay on Saturday.

The Stones moved up to second in National League South, behind frontrunners Dorking on goal difference, thanks to a 1-0 win at the Gallagher Stadium against their fellow play-off occupants.

Maidstone looked the much more dangerous team for much of the match and finally made their dominance count when Charlie Seaman fired home in the 76th minute as they bounced back from Monday’s goalless draw at Chelmsford and last weekend’s 2-1 home loss to Worthing.

Elokobi reflected: “It was an absolutely tremendous effort from our group of players, who I thought were magnificent.

“They were superb in terms of executing the game strategy but, more importantly, it was about our in and out of possession principles. They executed that brilliantly.

“Everyone was a 10 out of 10 for me today in terms of their job and responsibilities. Defending our box and attacking the other box, they were relentless.

“When we had to be resilient, we were resilient. It was a tremendous team effort.

Report: Maidstone 1-0 Torquay

“We were disciplined out of possession but, also, we created a lot of chances in the final third. There were a lot of final-third entries and crosses and, against a good side in Torquay, if we converted one or two, it could have been more.

“But most importantly, it was about three points today, coming against a good side. Torquay will be there at the end of the season, pushing.

“It was important we reacted positively from a dismal performance on Monday - that’s gone - and also, on the back of defeat against Worthing last weekend.”

It was right-sided player Seaman who finally found a way past Gulls goalkeeper James