Maidstone United striker Aaron Blair discusses what it takes to win the National League South play-offs after beating Worthing in last season’s final with Braintree

Maidstone striker Aaron Blair knows what it takes to win at Worthing in the National League South play-offs - he did it last season.

Blair scored and was named man-of-the-match as underdogs Braintree won a seven-goal final thriller at Woodside Road to reach the National League.

His emotions were in stark contrast to those of Maidstone a week earlier, his future employers having suffered late disappointment in a 2-1 semi-final defeat by the Rebels.

The clubs meet again on Wednesday night, this time in a play-off eliminator, with the winners travelling to Eastbourne Borough in the semi-finals on Sunday.

So, what does it take to win the play-offs?

“I think it’s just about being together and being willing to run for your mate,” said Blair, whose brilliant goal in the final made it 2-2.

“It’s about team cohesion and just grinding out results.

“Defensively, we’re solid. We’re very, very good defensively and that’s a good foundation to build on going into the play-offs.”

Braintree claimed 1-0 and 3-2 extra-time wins over Bath and Chelmsford respectively before their 4-3 victory at Worthing.

They’d finished fifth in the table, a place behind Maidstone, and were unfancied going into the play-offs.

The Essex club showed what’s possible, however, and have all but clinched safety in the National League this season.

“Coming into the games, it was a bit nerve-racking at first because the year before I played and we lost the first game,” said Blair.

“I remember I felt a bit nervous but as soon you start growing into it, it felt good.

“Going into that second game, when you feel the atmosphere, and I know there’s going to be a good atmosphere on Wednesday, you just embrace it and work hard.

“I think that’s the biggest thing, just working