Reaction from George Elokobi as Maidstone United thump Hampton & Richmond 5-1 on final day of the National League South season

Maidstone go into the National League South play-offs in great shape after thrashing Hampton & Richmond.

Manager George Elokobi was thrilled with his side’s performance in a 5-1 victory over the Beavers.

They secured fourth spot and a home eliminator against seventh-placed Aveley on Wednesday night, with the winners away to Worthing in the semi-finals next Sunday.

Sam Corne - named manager’s player and supporters’ player-of-the-year after the game - scored twice, including a magnificent volley.

The tally also included a stunning 25-yard half-volley from Matt Bentley, which was the 400th league scored by Maidstone in 12 years at the Gallagher Stadium.

“It was good to finish the season on a positive note,” said Elokobi. “We knew what team we were facing today.

“We knew their strengths and weaknesses and the players executed the game plan magnificently from the start.

“I wanted us to play with creativity and freedom and I said to the players, can someone have that bit of individual brilliance?

“We saw that with Sam Corne and Matt Bentley.

“They were both fantastic goals. I couldn’t pick between them.”

Reiss Greenidge scored with just over a minute played - Corne the provider - and while Dean Inman levelled, the Stones demolished their opponents, with Matt Rush also on target.

“It was a very effective, efficient performance,” added Elokobi. “When we conceded the goal we didn’t let our heads drop.

“We kept our levels high on the pitch and made sure our ball speed was at its maximum in terms of how we wanted to move the ball and expose their weaknesses. We did that in bundles.”

Maidstone, starting the day in fifth, still had a chance of finishing third and going straight through to a home play-off semi-final but Worthing’s 4-2