Maidstone United head to Torquay United bottom of the National League for the first time this season

Maidstone have slipped to the foot of the National League going into this weekend's match at relegation rivals Torquay.

The Stones, on a run of eight successive defeats, are bottom of the pile following Scunthorpe's win over FC Halifax on Wednesday night.

They're six points from safety - effectively seven given their inferior goal difference - while Oldham and Yeovil outside the drop zone also have four games in hand.

United make the long trip to Torquay on Saturday (3pm kick-off) reeling from their 3-0 midweek defeat by Aldershot, with caretaker boss George Elokobi seeking a reaction.

Maidstone have won all five National League meetings against the Devon club in recent years, as well as knocking them out of the FA Cup and FA Trophy.

How they could do with extending their winning run against the Gulls, who are with them in the bottom four.

“We’re going to go there fully prepared,” said Elokobi.

“We’re going to give the boys a plan, we’re going to work hard in training and we’re going to enjoy training.

“It’s the manner of how we react. Now, there needs to be a reaction. That’s the most important thing.”

Co-owner Terry Casey this week praised Elokobi’s work since taking the reins on a temporary basis following the sacking of Hakan Hayrettin.

He appreciated Casey’s words and is focused on the job of trying to get Maidstone out of trouble.

“Terry and Oliver (Ash, co-owner) wouldn’t have asked me to come in and help the club if they didn’t know I was capable of doing the job,” said Elokobi.

“I can only concentrate on the job in hand. It’s a tough task but that’s what I like.

“I like challenges and it’s not just myself, I’ve got a great backroom staff that help me prepare this team and prepare the players for the next game.

“