Maidstone United manager Craig Fagan says Alex Stepien-Iwumene’s performance in 3-0 win at Walton & Hersham was one of the best debuts he’s seen at the club

Craig Fagan described Alex Stepien-Iwumene’s Maidstone debut as one of the best he’d seen following their 3-0 victory at Walton & Hersham on Saturday.

The midfielder went straight into the starting XI after joining on loan from Bromley until January and showed his quality as United claimed their first National League South points of the season.

“You saw what he’s about,” said Stones boss Fagan.

“We have been light in the midfield areas and we’ve been looking to bring the right person in.

“He’s a different kind of player to what we’ve got, and I think that’s important, because you can’t always have the same midfielders that are good on the ball and can dictate play.

“What I like about Alex is he just gets about his business.

“He gets around the pitch, maybe similar to a TJ Bramble who was here last season, but as a first game for us, that’s one of the best debuts I’ve seen.

“He was demanding, he wanted the ball, he was making challenges, sometimes even running past people to make challenges, and that’s what we need in the central area.

“There will be more to come from him, too.

“That’s his first game and he will only improve.”

The loan move for Stepien-Iwumene, previously of Southampton and Derby, was announced hours before kick-off.

Maidstone enjoy a good relationship with League 1 new boys Bromley, so it was a straightforward deal to get done.

“Bromley wanted him to play football and the relationship we’ve had with them helps,” said Fagan.

“I think they understand what kind of manager I’m going to be in developing players.

“We’re not just here in the week turning up putting on five-a-sides for the players. The sessions are built to develop players.

Report: Walton & Hersham 0-3 Maidstone

“We’ve got a young group, so