Maidstone United manager George Elokobi’s verdict after 1-0 victory at Dover Athletic on return to National League South action

George Elokobi got everything he asked for in Maidstone’s derby victory at Dover.

The Stones completed a National League South double over their Kent rivals with a second 1-0 victory.

Jephte Tanga scored the winner from Chi Ezennolim’s cut-back as the visitors overcame Sam Corne’s penalty miss.

Back in action following their FA Cup exit at Coventry, the Stones produced a committed display on a heavy Crabble pitch that was subject to a late inspection.

“It was terrific from our group of players,” said boss Elokobi.

“It was going to be a really difficult surface to play on.

“It was all about showing character but also in the final third I thought we played some excellent stuff.

“We moved the ball, we penetrated through the gaps in the half-spaces and it was important when we got in the final third we tried to put quality crosses in.

“Chi’s been out for so long, he hasn’t had plenty of minutes, he was terrific, defensively and also offensively.

“He deserved that assist and I’m really chuffed for Jephte Tanga, getting that first goal, but it was the overall performance.

“We’re talking about resilience, grittiness and readiness so the players that have come into the team today were ready.”

Elokobi made five changes from Coventry, including returns for cup-tied trio Mo Faal, Matt Rush and match-winner Tanga in attack.

He said: “The cup run was a fantastic distraction but also it did a disservice to players like Jephte, with the quality he possesses, and it wasn’t just him.

“It was about making sure we had them ready so it’s been excellent work behind the scenes with Ben Fuller and Jamie Hemsley (sports scientists) with the players that have not been playing, and Jephte falls into that category.

“I’m super-happy for him because