Maidstone United manager George Elokobi discusses his side’s disciplinary record after successive red cards

George Elokobi knows there’s a balance to strike when it comes to Maidstone’s discipline.

The Stones finished both games over the Bank Holiday weekend with 10 men.

Bivesh Gurung saw red for putting his hand in an opponent’s face at Hemel Hempstead and Razzaq Coleman De-Graft was dismissed for a high challenge against Taunton.

Both games finished 1-1 as Maidstone failed to hold on to first-half leads.

Boss Elokobi demands full commitment from his players but wants to keep 11 men on the pitch when United visit Weymouth in National League South this Saturday (3pm).

They’re also in midweek action, taking on Aveley at the Gallagher Stadium on Tuesday (7.45pm).

“It might be I’m too fired up,” said Elokobi, when discussing Maidstone’s disciplinary record.

“I want my players 100% committed but they’ve got to be sensible with it. It’s up to us to do the right things.

“I’m not going to take the edge off my players.

“If we compete, we compete 100%.

“It’s all or nothing in this game. If you go in half-hearted, you will get injured.

“It’s about making sure when you go in, you are fair.”

The other issue stalling Maidstone’s progress is their tendency to concede from restarts.

Yeovil and Hemel equalised from corners while Taunton finished a free-kick as Maidstone drew again on Monday.

Elokobi, whose side are 12th after six games, has vowed to rectify the problem.

He said: “It’s about whoever is on the pitch making sure when that ball comes into your area you deal with it and without looking at someone else to take charge.

“You’ve got to make sure you do a job on behalf of the team.

“It’s about making sure your timing is right, attacking the ball at its highest point and making sure you are aggressive with it as well because you’ve got