Reaction from Maidstone United manager George Elokobi after Aaron Blair’s 90th-minute winner at Eastbourne Borough sends 10-man visitors through to National League South play-off final

George Elokobi intended to “celebrate well” after Maidstone beat the odds to reach the National League South play-off final.

Aaron Blair scored a 90th-minute winner as United - down to 10 men after Charlie Seaman’s red card - won 2-1 at Eastbourne Borough on Sunday.

Their opponents boasted an unbeaten home record in the league, including a 1-0 win over Maidstone in February, en route to a third-placed finish.

But it was United’s afternoon on a dramatic day at Priory Lane thanks to Blair’s late winner after Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong’s first-half opener was cancelled out by Alfie Pavey.

The Stones, beaten by Worthing in last season’s semi-finals, will visit Boreham Wood in the final on Sunday, May 18.

“It’s time to celebrate, and celebrate well, because we’ve gone one step further than last season,” said manager Elokobi.

“Commiserations to Eastbourne Borough but we have one more game to play and we’ll see where that takes us.”

He added: “At this stage last season I had tears in my eyes talking to the players because I care and I love each and every one of them.

“I was disappointed that I couldn’t get them, we couldn’t get them, into the final that they so much deserved but you’ve got to keep chipping away.

“These boys have been consistent throughout the season in terms of the two sides of the game, defensively and offensively.

“We’ve got to make sure we stay humble in victory but at the same time we’ve got to enjoy moments like this.

“Thank you to our supporters - you were magnificent, absolutely brilliant, and you need to enjoy and celebrate.

“Credit to the players.

“They’re all winners, they’re here to try and win.

“I know we haven’t won anything yet, because there’s one game to go against a very good side, but you’ve got