Maidstone United manager George Elokobi hails ‘incredible qualities’ of his players and hopes fightback against National League South leaders Dorking Wanderers gives them more belief

George Elokobi hopes Maidstone have set the standard for the rest of the season after their fightback against Dorking.

The Stones recovered from a goal down at the break to draw 1-1 with the National League South leaders on Saturday.

Mo Faal equalised for Elokobi’s men, who could count themselves unfortunate not to win after a dominant second-half performance.

Wanderers were indebted to goalkeeper Harrison Foulkes after holding on for a result which extends their lead at the top of National League South to six points.

Maidstone move up a place to 12th, clawing back another point in their fight for a play-off spot.

Elokobi, whose side are now six points off the top seven, took great encouragement from United’s fightback and wants to see more of the football that put Dorking on the back foot.

“It was important we showed courage because I know there’s good players in that changing room in terms of on the ball and off the ball,” said the Stones boss.

“They’ve got incredible qualities and they just need to believe more. They’ve seen it now. What’s not to believe?

“Sometimes, if you want to build from deep in your own half, in the defensive third, that’s risk.

“You’ve got to take risks and you’ve got to be ready but also you’ve got to work at it.

“We’ve been working with these players.

“It’s not because we lost three games on the bounce, no, we’ve been doing this throughout, it’s just making sure the players understand they can do it without being prompted.

“They should be confident enough to do it in a packed Gallagher Stadium and then it’s about making sure they have the right balance.

“If the opposition presses aggressively, then we need to be able to miss the first press and the second press and go over the top into our