Daryl McMahon was quick to praise Maidstone after Saturday's derby at Stonebridge Road.

The 31-year-old saw his Ebbsfleet side beaten by a Joe Healy goal 10 minutes into the second half.

Fleet had dominated the first half without scoring and it was a different story after the break.

McMahon said: "I thought they did well in the second half, Maidstone. They did a job on us.

"Defensively, they’re very good. They’ve got good set plays, good delivery but there’s lots of stuff about our game that has to be better.

"It was a poor goal from our point of view, a good ball in from Taylor and a good finish from Healy - but he’s six yards out and it’s poor defending from us.

"I thought we were the better side first half. We got into good positions but we lacked quality in the final third and in the end it’s cost us.

"Later in the game we had a few scrambles, crossbar, a goal ruled out, Godden down the side, Kedwell into the box, a couple of chances but it just didn’t seem to fall for us really.

"Even little things like Keds' cross ricocheting back off himself and going out for a goal kick. Those little things, you’re looking for a corner and it didn’t go for us but Maidstone defended really well."

McMahon took off Jordan Parkes and John Paul Kissock midway through the half, sending on Danny Haynes and Robbie Willmott in their place - but the changes made little impact.

"We didn’t get the ball to them enough," McMahon admitted.

"They’re two very good players and they’ll be two good players for us. I’m sure they’ll be knocking on my door on Monday morning to get some starts after watching the second half today.

"But if someone had said that we’d be sitting here on October 3, six points clear in the league, you would have bitten their hand off.

"We can’t get too down and we don’t get too high - I’m not that type of character to be honest. We need to get back to working hard and doing what we’re good at."