Maidstone United caretaker boss George Elokobi on Sol Wanjau-Smith's Panenka penalty in their FA Trophy Quarter-Final with Barnet

George Elokobi loved Sol Wanjau-Smith’s Panenka penalty during Maidstone’s FA Trophy tie against Barnet.

Wanjau-Smith showed talent and nerve in equal measure to outwit keeper Laurie Walker and level Saturday’s Quarter-Final tie at the Gallagher.

To attempt it at 2-1 down, and in such a big game, might not be to every manager’s liking but Elokobi couldn’t get enough of it.

“I know Sol Wanjau-Smith has got that in him,” said the Stones caretaker boss.

“You can’t teach that. It’s within the player and these are the technical skills he has.

“To do that, not in just any normal circumstances, that took some serious nerve, but at the same time I love that.

“I love that and I want to see more of that.

“That’s one of our players expressing himself to the fullest.”

Wanjau-Smith went on to hit the bar during the penalty shoot-out as United lost 4-3 on spot-kicks, with Jack Barham’s effort saved.

It was cruel on the 23-year-old but Elokobi added: “We don’t need to feel sorry for him. It’s part of his development. It’s part of his growth.