Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin explains Jack Barham's absence at Concord

Maidstone decided it was time to give Jack Barham a rest in their weekend win at Concord.

Barham was left out of the 16 for United’s 5-1 victory, with new loan signing Mo Bettamer taking his place up front.

He’s been brilliant in the lone striker role during Maidstone’s unbeaten run, typifying the work rate manager Hakan Hayrettin demands of his side, and contributing four goals.

“He’s not injured,” said Hayrettin.

“We pulled him out because he’s been running himself into the ground and we just thought he might need a rest. He’s a little tight.

“Did we make the right decision? Well, the physio department and the analysis people said, ‘Hak, have a look at it’ and as much as I wanted to play Jack, he might have needed a rest.

"The way he’s been going about his business is unbelievable.

“We scored five without him but he’s a team player and he understands.”

Hayrettin says Reece Grant will be out “for a while” after injuring his Achilles in Maidstone’s draw at Billericay last month.

With Grant sidelined and Alfie Pavey extending his loan at Dover, Hayrettin moved for Bettamer, his old striker at Braintree.

He’s working his way back to full fitness after nearly three months out but won the penalty for Maidstone’s equaliser at Concord.

“I know Mo, he’s played for me before,” said the Stones boss.

“He’s an exceptional player, I trust him and I like him.

“He’s chased a lost cause to get us a penalty and it got us back into the game.”