Maidstone United manager George Elokobi says referee right to award Hamzad Kargbo’s injury-time winner in ‘epic’ performance at leaders Hornchurch

George Elokobi said the referee was right to let Maidstone’s injury-time winner stand as he hailed an “epic” performance at league leaders Hornchurch.

Stones boss Elokobi saw his side end the Urchins’ unbeaten home record with a 2-1 victory in Essex on Tuesday night, a result that cost Daryl McMahon’s men top spot in National League South.

There was controversy surrounding Hamzad Kargbo’s 91st-minute winner, with appeals for a foul on goalkeeper Arthur Nasta as the Stones striker contested a cross.

Kargbo stayed alive to finish the loose ball and referee Joe Woolmer gave the goal, a decision that surprised many, given the protection usually afforded to goalkeepers.

But Elokobi was in no doubt Woolmer made the right call.

“It wasn’t a foul - not a chance,” said Elokobi, after United climbed to sixth with a fourth win in five games.

“We know their goalkeeper is very good but also in this league when the ball is in the air and you’ve got the stature of Hamzad Kargbo, a 6ft-plus player, he jumps really well.

“He had a good leap and the keeper has dropped it, and we’ve always said be on the front foot, be on the money, don’t switch off, and things are going to fall for you.

“You need to stay alive at all times and thankfully that dropped for him and he deserved that goal, based on his performances in the last couple of weeks.

“I thought the officials were excellent in their management of the game throughout.

“It was a difficult game, top of the league against a side that’s building momentum, and I thought it was well-handled.

“It was a fair call. I don’t think there was any infringement on the keeper.”

Maidstone captain Sam Corne made it two goals in as many games with a header from Leo Hamblin’s cross as the visitors took a