Reaction from Maidstone United manager George Elokobi after 5-1 victory at Eastbourne Borough in National League South

Maidstone manager George Elokobi was thrilled for Lamar Reynolds after the substitute’s late hat-trick at Eastbourne.

Reynolds scored in the 85th, 90th and 93rd minutes as Maidstone won 5-1 on Good Friday.

Victory saw fourth-placed United open a seven-point gap over the chasing pack outside the play-offs.

The Stones were leading 2-1 against Eastbourne’s nine men - Sam Corne opening the scoring from the penalty spot and Matt Rush restoring their advantage - before Reynolds took centre stage.

A thumping first-time finish, a cracking long-range strike and a penalty that went in off the underside of the bar made up the forward’s eight-minute hat-trick.

“We know what Lamar brings,” said Elokobi.

“We know when he’s starting and also we know when he’s coming off the bench he gives us that impact we want.

“We’ve seen it in bundles but again it’s the quality in and around the final third to make sure when you’re striking the ball, can you hit it cleanly, can you hit the target?

“There were some super finishes from him, to be honest. He deserves his hat-trick today.

“I’m delighted for Lamar but also big respect to Sam Corne because he’s the designated penalty taker and he’s handed the ball over to Lamar (to complete his hat-trick).”

Eastbourne, fighting for survival, had Sam Beard sent off at a goal down after picking up two yellow cards.

They levelled through a Pierce Bird wonder strike but when he became the second home player to be dismissed, it was a matter of time before Maidstone wore them down.

“Obviously it’s about managing the game,” said Elokobi.

“It’s about making sure our discipline, in possession and out of possession, is really good and I thought our organisation was good.

Report: Eastbourne 1-5 Maidstone

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