Maidstone United manager George Elokobi says A-game required in National League South play-off semi-final at Eastbourne Borough

George Elokobi says Maidstone will need to be on their A-game to beat Eastbourne Borough in the National League South play-off semi-finals.

The Stones are off to Priory Lane on Sunday (3pm) buoyed by an outstanding performance in a 2-0 midweek eliminator victory at Worthing.

They face another big challenge against a Boro side who went through the league season unbeaten at home and qualified for the semi-finals by finishing third.

Their excellent home record included a 1-0 win over the Stones at the end of February.

“We respect Eastbourne,” said Maidstone manager Elokobi.

“They’ve had a fantastic season, especially at home - they’ve been tremendous.

“They’ve got a fantastic squad to choose from and we have to be on our A-game on Sunday but it’s going to be another great advert for the National League South.”

Maidstone were the one side with some clarity going into the final day of the league season.

While the six sides above them were all in title contention, the Stones knew they would finish seventh and have to win three away games to gain promotion.

They ticked off the first one on Wednesday night, with Ben Brookes scoring twice from the spot at Worthing.

And Maidstone will be ready for the second as they look to set up a final against Torquay or Boreham Wood.

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“We have to stay humble, we have to stay respectful - this is 35% of the job done,” said Elokobi, whose side beat Eastbourne 3-1 at the Gallagher in November.

“Come Sunday we’re going to a tough place and we have to be ready.

“The players have been outstanding this season away from home.

“The table doesn’t lie, we finished where we finished and we have to respectful to the other six teams that were ahead of us and