Maidstone United manager Craig Fagan reacts to his side going top of National League South after 1-0 victory over Weston-super-Mare

Maidstone United are top of National League South for the first time since winning the division more than four years ago - but manager Craig Fagan isn’t getting carried away.

The Stones moved above Dagenham on goal difference thanks to Ken Charles’ second-half strike in a 1-0 home win over Weston-super-Mare on Saturday.

It’s a position they haven’t occupied since Hakan Hayrettin’s side were crowned champions at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, and fans enjoyed the moment as news of the Daggers dropping points in a 1-1 draw with Horsham filtered through.

Fagan was pleased to see United continue their fine form but with only seven games gone, he won’t be taking much notice of the table.

“I’m just happy with the result,” he said. “I know the fans are singing ‘we are top of the league’.

“It’s good to be there but it’s a long old season and I’m not concerned about that.

“We just need to keep winning games and the position will take care of itself but it’s been a positive start.”

Fagan had to change his starting XI after Tom Leahy rang in ill on the morning of the game.

Leahy played a starring role in Maidstone’s 4-1 win at Hampton & Richmond on Monday, scoring twice and providing two assists.

But Maidstone showed they could win without the in-form forward as Fagan’s final words at training on Tuesday bore fruit.

Report: Maidstone 1-0 Weston

Match-winner Charles was named in the team, having been on the bench against Hampton, but may have been starting anyway, of course, with Fagan giving nothing away.

“Tom rang this morning and said he was ill, so it was my choice,” said the Stones boss.

“Sometimes, as a manager, you have to make a decision.

“Do I bring him in and he might be 50 per cent and then he could pass it on to