Daryl McMahon spoke up for Danny Kedwell after his penalty miss cost Ebbsfleet promotion.

Maidstone keeper Lee Worgan saved from Kedwell in the shoot-out after the former Gills striker had twice beaten him from the spot during the National South play-off final.

The Fleet captain fired his penalty straight down the middle but Worgan stood up and got a strong hand to the ball, sending the Stones up to the National League.

Kedwell was distraught while Maidstone's players sprinted to celebrate with their fans.

McMahon said: "He's been unbelievable this season, Danny Kedwell. There will be no blame left at his door.

"I'm gutted for him because he's been a real talisman for us this year.

"It's unfair that it fell on him but he'll bounce back from it, Keds, he's a strong character."

Ebbsfleet were 2-1 up with less than a minute of added time remaining at the end of extra-time. But they failed to clear their lines and after a scramble, Dumebi Dumaka fired Maidstone level in the most dramatic circumstances.

"It's a huge disappointment," McMahon said. "Injury time in extra time, to concede a goal, you've got no time to come back from it.

"While you're only one goal in front, the other team's got a chance.

"We had more than enough chances to clear the ball out of the box which we didn't take and it was a good finish from their lad.

"I thought we were excellent. It's just disappointing. It's hard for me now to disect the game because there's a lot of emotion in what's happened.

"I don't know what to say to be honest.

"It's one of those moments which is disappointing for all of us. I'm disappointed for the players because they played ever so well and they're gutted in there.

"But credit to Maidstone, they've had a terrific season. I like Jay (Saunders), he's a top man and I think he's done a great job there."