Maidstone United manager George Elokobi’s damning assessment of FA Trophy defeat at Horsham

George Elokobi made his feelings clear after Maidstone’s FA Trophy second-round exit at Horsham.

Stones boss Elokobi was quick to congratulate the Isthmian Premier Hornets on a well-deserved 2-1 victory.

But he made no secret of his own side’s shortcomings, accusing them of lacking fight and desire in failing to offer the basics against their lower-league hosts.

Elokobi rested skipper Sam Corne and top goalscorer Aaron Blair, among four changes, bringing them on midway through the second half.

Those coming into the team had been pushing for action but Elokobi was unimpressed as Maidstone, joining the competition in round two, fell at the first hurdle.

They trailed to Daniel Ajakaiye’s second-minute header, with Reece Myles-Meekums making it two before Ben Brookes replied with a late penalty.

“It shows us where we are and it's important that we learn from this,” said Elokobi, who brought Bivesh Gurung, Riley Court, Matt Bentley and Shaq Coulthirst into the side.

“It's important we are honest because when we come to places like this in the cup competition, where we’ve got a chance to compete against a good side, first we have to roll our sleeves up and dig deep to earn the right to be able to impose ourselves in the game.

“Then there's a chance to obviously go to Wembley, but that's over, because the team that started, they didn't do the basics.

“There was no fight, we didn't compete enough.

“There was no desire, determination, discipline in terms of our patterns, we were playing within ourselves, as individuals instead of being a team.

Report: Horsham 2-1 Maidstone

“Yes, we are on this incredible run in the league (eight games unbeaten, stretching back two months).

“However, when it comes to days like this, you find