Hakan Hayrettin hailed the quality of Joan Luque’s winning goal against Braintree on Tuesday night.

Time was running out when Luque collected a delightful crossfield pass from Joe Ellul, broke into the box and beat the keeper for the only goal.

Luque’s strike moved the Stones level on points with National South leaders Dorking and was fit to win any game.

“That goal would grace any league, at any level, up and down the country,” said boss Hayrettin.

“It was a great ball and a great touch and a great finish and that’s why we’ve got Luque.”

Maidstone had to work hard to break down a stubborn Braintree side who made life difficult throughout.

It was a big test of their promotion credentials and one they passed thanks to Luque’s 83rd-minute strike.

• Report: Maidstone 1-0 Braintree

“No wonder they’re third in the form guide,” said Hayrettin.

“They’re an exceptional team and they play to their strengths.

“We were frustrated because we thought, as well as we played first half, they nullified us in certain areas and sometimes when teams work as hard as you, you’re going to get frustrated.

“Second half it was all about us.

“They set up in such a way they make it difficult and they can score goals, so we have to be wary of that when we go there.

“I think for 45 minutes we camped in their half, we tried to move it, they’re very resilient and solid in the way they do things, but what a great piece of play and what a goal.

“I’ve been in this position many times before and I know every game is going to be up and down like this and we’re grateful that we got the goal when we got it, I think we deserved it.

“We could have had a couple more before that but take nothing away from them.”

There was a recall in goal for Tom Hadler but it seems there’s no firm No.1, with Hayrettin stressing Yusuf Mersin will play again this season.

He said: “People will think I’m playing my No.1 goalkeeper; I’m not.

“There’s nothing between him and Yus.

“Yus has done nothing wrong, I’ve put Tom in to have a look and then we’ll see.

“I might swap and change and see how we go. Both of them have been fantastic.

“Yusuf Mersin’s come in and been unbelievable, he’s a great bloke, a great character, got bundles of experience, he’s played in the Football League.

“I didn’t leave him out because he hasn’t been playing well, I just wanted to have a look at Tom and then we can reassess.

“We’ve got some big games coming up and I’m sure Yusuf’s going to be back in the frame again and so’s Tom.

“Yusuf’s played six games, he’s been fundamentally important to what I’ve done and he will play again, I’ll tell you now.

“Tom’s come in, I thought let’s give Tom a go, let’s have a look, so we’ve had a look and we’ll go again.

“I’m sure they’re both going to play a big part in the push.”