Maidstone moved out of the Ryman Premier Division relegation zone with a 2-0 win over Ashford at Homelands.

Goals from Danny Hockton and Antonio Gonnella in each half gave Peter Nott's side a deserved win.

The opening exchanges were tight and nervous with both sides needed points for survival, but Nathan Paul almost put Maidstone ahead after 12 minutes when he forced Ashford keeper Craig Ross into a smart save. Six minutes later the home side did go infront thanks to Hockton's free kick on the edge of the penalty box. Adrian Stone was fouled in the build-up and Hockton curled a smart shot into the net.

Gonnella and Stone missed opportunities to extend the lead after the break, firing over from close range and also scuffing their efforts in sight of goal. But, Gonnella made amends with a quarter of an hour to go as he headed in a smart ball into the area from Paul to make it 2-0.

Ashford substitute Billy Jefferies had the best chance for the visitors two minutes later, but his header could only skim the crossbar.

Chris Saunders missed a final chance to round off the win on 83 minutes when his effort grazed the left hand post, with Stone well placed to finish.

Tonbridge Angels suffered a set back in their bid to reach the promotion play-offs after a 2-0 home defeat to Borehamwood.

Tommy Warilow's men were hampered when Scott Kinch was sent off for a second bookable offence on 62 minutes.

Borehamwood's Mario Noto stepped up to score the resulting free kick to make it 1-0. Former Tonbridge player Claude Seanla them doubled Borehamwood's advantage six minutes later. Good build-up play saw Seanla shoot home with his right foot following a cross from the left.

Tonbridge now face a testing week with three away games in the space of five days.