Maidstone players earned a thank-you from their manager after beating Truro on Tuesday night.
The Stones were back in National League South action, three days on from the euphoria of reaching the FA Cup third round.
It was never going to be easy to refocus minds but a 2-1 home victory moved three points behind leaders Yeovil.
Matt Rush, who was cup-tied against Barrow, scored both goals before an injury-time consolation for the visitors.
“We sent our boys out to make sure they do a professional job,” said manager George Elokobi.
“After the occasion on Saturday, it was always going to be difficult to have the free-flowing passing football that we wanted because of what the lads have been through these last couple of days.
“But the most important thing was we got the two goals and we were resilient towards the end.
Report: Maidstone 2-1 Truro
“I know we conceded but it’s OK, I forgive my lads, they are mentally fatigued but they’ve done the job.
“Football’s about fine margins but our lads have been terrific.
“I’m not going to stand here and moan too much.
“They’ve done it as a group. Different personnel have come into the team and they’ve given their all.
“We played players in different positions so the dynamics changed but the outcome never changed.
“Our goal was to get three points for our football club and put ourselves in a good position and we’ve done that.
“I respect them for it and I want to thank them for it because after Saturday, being on the high, to get back down to earth is always going to be a challenge.
“We’ve challenged them today and they’ve passed that test.
“It wasn’t the prettiest game but if you don’t play well, can you get three points on the board? Our players have done that, so well done to
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