Maidstone United manager George Elokobi hails ‘masterful’ performance in 2-0 National League South victory over Hampton & Richmond

George Elokobi described Maidstone’s victory over Hampton & Richmond as a masterful performance.

The Stones claimed their first win of the National League South season, following back-to-back draws, with a 2-0 success at the Gallagher Stadium on Tuesday night.

John Gilbert saw a first-half penalty saved but Deon Moore’s header and a Davide Rodari own goal gave Maidstone an advantage they never looked like surrendering.

They had chances to extend their lead while looking nice and solid at the back to claim their first clean sheet of the campaign.

“That was another masterful performance in terms of a group that’s new,” said Stones boss Elokobi.

“I thought we started really fast in the first 15-20 minutes but after the penalty miss it’s human nature, one or two were feeling a little bit down from it.

“But we’ve told the boys to carry on doing the right things in terms of what we’d worked on and exposing their weaknesses because they’re a good side.

Report: Maidstone 2-0 Hampton & Richmond

“They play in a compact shape, a 5-4-1 out of possession and they get bodies in behind the ball so we told the players to keep being positive, to move the ball quickly because the ball moves quicker than the player.

“It was good to see the chances we created again today.

“On another day, Jephte Tanga scores, John Gilbert scores the penalty and Josh Redfearn has gone in at the end as well and hit the side-netting, so the players deserve credit for this performance.”

Moore’s header, directing a cross from Leo Hamblin into the far corner, was a great way to get off the mark for his new club.

It was quickly followed by Rodari’s own goal, diverting the ball past the keeper from a Gilbert corner.

“We spoke about intensity, we spoke about