Maidstone United manager George Elokobi’s verdict on 2-1 National League South victory at Dagenham & Redbridge after revealing players were bored last weekend

George Elokobi said Maidstone players were bored without a game last weekend - and they made Dagenham pay.

Stones boss Elokobi saw his side break their run of four defeats with a 2-1 away win in National League South on Saturday.

Teo Kurtaran’s second-half wonder strike earned the points after an own goal from Daggers defender Corey Panter was cancelled out by Ashley Hemmings just before half-time.

Elokobi was keen to get the work-rest balance right during United’s break from competitive action.

They put in the hours on the training ground but the manager insisted they took last weekend off to ensure they were fresh for an important league fixture.

“The players have been working exceptionally well,” said Elokobi.

“They’ve been putting their bodies on the line in terms of being physically ready but also technically and tactically ready.

“They’ve been good as gold and, to be honest, they were bored last week because we gave them the weekend off.

“They wanted to play an in-house game and we told them no, save your energy for us to carry on working during the week.

“It gave us the chance to have the right balance, with the training sessions and making sure they’re ready, but not just that, psychologically, they’re coming to a tough place.

“We needed to win and they wanted that and you could see that in the performance from everyone.

“It was a complete team performance and there were outstanding individual performances from the group.”

Maidstone had gone nearly 400 minutes without a goal before Antony Papadopoulos’ cross was turned into his own net by Panter for a deserved lead.

And while the Daggers levelled, Kurtaran’s 25-yard strike was worthy of winning any game.

Elokobi, whose side have climbed to 14th after a first win