Slough Town 1 Maidstone United 4 match report: John Gilbert (2), Antony Papadopoulos and Jephte Tanga on target in big National League South victory

John Gilbert scored two goals against his old club as in-form Maidstone thrashed Slough.

Gilbert struck twice in quick succession during the first half on his return to Arbour Park and further goals from Antony Papadopoulos and Jephte Tanga made the points safe after Rebels player-manager Scott Davies replied.

It was a third successive National League South win for George Elokobi’s side, who have taken 13 points from a possible 15 in their past five games to sit in the play-off places.

Maidstone were unchanged from the side who beat Eastbourne Borough 3-0 on Tuesday night

And given the quality of that midweek display, it was no surprise to see Elokobi stick with the same XI.

Two goals in three minutes from ex-Rebels captain Gilbert put United firmly in control.

He broke the deadlock in the 21st minute after arriving in the box to meet Tanga’s low left-wing cross.

Tanga had been released by Papadopoulos down the flank and the on-loan Crawley man was involved again as Maidstone doubled the lead in the 24th minute.

Papadopoulos did well down the right this time, setting up a chance for Deon Moore, and while he was denied by keeper Adam Desbois, Gilbert buried the loose ball.

Harvey Walker stung the palms of Stones keeper Nathan Harness with a well-struck effort from distance in between those two Gilbert goals.

And he appeared to be the dangerman for the Rebels, enjoying a good scrap down the right with Stones full-back Leo Hamblin, who took a booking just past the half-hour mark and made way for Lexus Beeden at the break.

Maidstone might have had a third when Moore found himself in on goal but he lobbed the ball over the bar with Desbois beaten.

Slough, having made a double change at the break, pulled a goal back seven