Maidstone striker Ade Olorunda earned the praise of manager Jay Saunders after he scored a crucial goal in the title race.

Olorunda rescued a point with a late equaliser as United’s top-of-the-table clash at Dulwich on Tuesday night ended 1-1.

His strike preserved Stones’ three-point lead over Dulwich – who have a game in hand – in Ryman League Division 1 South going into Easter fixtures at Sittingbourne on Saturday and home to Ramsgate on Monday (3pm).

Maidstone manager Saunders (pictured) said: "I’m pleased for Ade. He’s had a frustrating season and waited his turn. I can’t praise the lad enough. His attitude in training is different class, his workrate, everything.

"When he’s been left out, he’s been disappointed but he’s been there on the bench 100% behind the lads and at the moment he’s getting his rewards."

Saunders insists there are plenty of twists and turns to come in the title race.

His side showed their credentials by battling back from Dulwich’s third-minute opener, backed by about 400 travelling fans.

The Stones boss said: "What we’ve had all season is a team of lads who give 100% to the end and they never know when to give up. I’ve just said to them if they show that attitude with the quality we’ve got in the side, we won’t be far off.

"The supporters were magnificent. I thought they were first class from the start till the end.

"They drove us on at the end and hopefully a lot of them can turn up at Sittingbourne and get behind the boys."

Steve Watt (calf), Tim Olorunda (ankle) and Rory Hill (calf) are doubts for the weekend but Jon Harley is available while midfielder Dan Stubbs – back for a third spell at the club – could be involved.