Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin 'chuffed to bits' with 1-1 draw at Altrincham

Hakan Hayrettin couldn’t stop smiling after Maidstone’s opening-day draw at Altrincham.

The Stones boss hailed a “wonderful day” for the club after their first game back in the National League.

A 1-1 draw was achieved despite playing the last 30 minutes with 10 men following Hady Ghandour’s dismissal.

The visitors led with Liam Brockbank’s fourth-minute own goal and saw Jack Barham’s effort in a one-on-one touched on to the post by Robins keeper Matt Gould soon after.

But with Altrincham levelling through Chris Conn-Clarke before half-time and relentless in their search for a winner after Ghandour picked up a second yellow card, the Stones showed their fighting qualities.

“I’m chuffed to bits,” said Hayrettin. “To go down to 10 men and to get a point is good - very good.

“What a wonderful day for the football club, we’re back in the National League, and we got a point, with 10 men, away from home. What could be better?

“We’ve had a couple of hundred fans come up, it’s a long way and I made sure I showed my appreciation.”

Maidstone’s performance - both the dominant opening against a strong side and the resilience shown with 10 men - reinforced Hayrettin’s belief his side will hold their own this season.

It’s a tough division but one the National South champions will take in their stride.

“Altrincham probably moved the ball a bit quicker than we saw in our league last season, but we will be OK, I’ve got no about that,” said Hayrettin.

“Why would I, or my players, or the club be intimidated by this level? We’re not here just to make the numbers up, we’re here to push.

“As I was walking off, one of their supporters said ‘relegation’, and I said, ‘see you when you come to Maidstone, we’re talk about it then’.

“They’re a very