Maidstone United manager Craig Fagan on his side’s 2-1 National League South defeat by Farnborough at the Gallagher Stadium

Craig Fagan felt Maidstone played into Farnborough’s hands in their opening-day defeat at the Gallagher Stadium.

New boss Fagan was happy with parts of the Stones’ game on Saturday but knew where the match got away from his side after a 2-1 home loss.

“We just weren’t good enough or effective enough in moving for each other when we had possession, which then made it more difficult and played into their hands,” said Fagan.

“They were good at what they did. They were nothing special. They played simple, they played forward to the big man, which we knew they would do.

“We just didn’t land on enough second balls in the first half to give us a chance to play.”

Maidstone fell behind in first-half stoppage time when big striker Mason Bloomfield headed home a cross from Sam Barratt, and Michael Reindorf doubled the lead just after the break before Ken Charles replied.

United searched for an equaliser but suffered defeat on the opening day for the first time since losing 2-1 at home to Weymouth in 2019.

Fagan’s side won all seven pre-season games, scoring 27 goals, but he knew bigger tests awaited in National League South.

“We were going to lose at some point,” he said. “That’s just the nature of the beast.

“I’m glad it’s happened early, so we can learn from it.

“I would have liked it to happen in pre-season.

“I mentioned to the players, what’s our resolve like? When we go a goal down, what’s it going to be like?

“We saw a bit of it, managing to get ourselves back into the game to make it 2-1.

“I’m disappointed to lose but happy with parts of the game, so I’m looking forward to next week (Walton & Hersham away).”

Charles scored six goals in pre-season and Fagan was pleased to see his summer signing from Welsh champions TNS get