Maidstone United manager George Elokobi says his team were second best in their FA Cup second qualifying round defeat against Folkestone Invicta

George Elokobi said Maidstone were second best in their FA Cup second qualifying round defeat by Folkestone.

The Stones lost 2-0 to their Isthmian Premier opponents at Chatham Town’s Bauvill Stadium on Friday night.

Donell Thomas struck shortly before half-time and Ade Yusuff doubled Invicta’s lead a minute after the restart.

Maidstone know all about FA Cup upsets after beating three Football League clubs en route to the last 16 two seasons ago.

But the National League South team were on the wrong end of one after a well-deserved win for Folkestone.

“We have to be honest, I think we were second best in all the departments,” said Stones manager Elokobi.

“After 20-25 minutes, we seemed to have things under control and then we’ve gone a goal down and heads have dropped a little bit.

“But it’s important we look at the manner of the defeat in terms of imposing ourselves on the game.

“We wanted to dominate territory but we didn’t quite do that in terms of both boxes, defending and attacking.

“When we had those moments where we could test their keeper out, we didn’t hit the target, so that’s the worrying factor.

“So I have to look at it but also we have to make sure as a group we take accountability and get back to work.

“It’s important we try and fix the issues in terms of not having enough entries in the opposition box, not testing the keeper as we should, with the quality players we’ve got.”

Elokobi switched to a back three, with Maidstone having conceded nine goals in their previous three league games.

It’s a system he’s employed regularly during his time in charge and he felt it was worth a go.

“The last two games we’ve lost playing 4-3-3, so you have to try something,” said Elokobi.

“If it’s not working as a manager, I’m