Maidstone United striker Aaron Blair speaks about his 90th-minute winner in the National League South play-off semi-final success at Eastbourne Borough

Time stood still for Aaron Blair as he ran in on goal to score Maidstone’s last-minute winner at Eastbourne.

Blair’s late strike earned a 2-1 victory in Sunday’s National League play-off semi-final at Priory Lane.

United were down to 10 men and facing a fight to hold out for extra-time when Blair was released by Riley Court.

He continued his run and beat keeper Joe Wright as Boro defender Freddie Carter tried in vain to stop him.

His 21st goal of the season sets up a final at Boreham Wood on May 18 and keeps Blair on course for a second successive promotion via the play-offs after last season’s success with Braintree.

“It felt like time stopped,” said the Stones striker.

“I’ve slowed down completely.

“I’m trying to get my shot on target but I’ve seen the centre-back coming from my right so I was thinking he could possibly block this but if I got it on target I knew it was going in.”

The ball took its time to cross the line with Blair squeezing his strike underneath Wright.

He added: “If you watch it back you see me run to the left because I’m bending my knee just looking and looking and then I’ve run to the wrong fans out of excitement.”

Blair soon realised his mistake and headed for the 515 away fans who had given Maidstone such magnificent backing.

George Elokobi’s side went on to survive almost 10 minutes of added time to secure a place in the final.

And the full-time scenes will live long in the memories of supporters and players alike.

“The fans this season have just been amazing,” said Blair.

“The volume they bring, the away games, they all feel like home games.

“It’s just so important and I’m really happy to play in front of them. You’ve got to enjoy these moments.”

Blair, man-of-the-match in Braintree’s 4-3 final