Maidstone United manager George Elokobi’s verdict on dramatic 1-1 National League South draw at Torquay United as three players see red

George Elokobi spoke of his admiration for Maidstone players after their battling point at Torquay.

The Stones played the majority of the 1-1 draw with 10 men, following David Sesay’s red card before half-time.

But they were fully prepared for such a scenario, and it showed as Elokobi’s men kept Torquay at bay while committing men forward on the break.

In a late twist, Maidstone finished with a man advantage after the Gulls had Louis Dennis and Jordan Young sent off in quick succession at the death.

The visitors pushed hard for a winner and almost had it when Hamzad Kargbo headed over from close range.

A point was a decent result, though, after a hardworking and spirited display - hallmarks of the Elokobi era.

The Stones’ efforts may not have been rewarded in the National League South table, dropping two places to 10th after teams below them won.

But they gave 114 travelling fans in a crowd of more than 3,200 plenty to cheer about, including a superb Riley Court free-kick for the opening goal after 22 minutes.

Dylan Morgan swiftly levelled before Sesay’s red card following an altercation with Gulls keeper James Hamon.

“I always love my players,” said Stones boss Elokobi.

“They give everything for the badge, for one another, and that’s testament to how we play the game.

“Home or away, we want to try and get three points for Maidstone United Football Club.

“This group of players have come a long, long way in terms of having a positive approach and taking on board tactical information and operating with the abilities they’ve got.

Report: Torquay 1-1 Maidstone

“We spoke about structure, we spoke about strategy and we’ve worked on everything, including being down to 10 men, because when you come to places like this, you