Match-winner Jack Richards has surprised his own manager with his progress at Maidstone.

Richards crowned his first National League start with an excellent strike as United came from a goal down to beat Wrexham 2-1 at the Gallagher.

Boss Jay Saunders revealed he was unsure about the midfielder when he started with the academy two years ago.

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But he’s proved him wrong and it was time to unleash the 18-year-old against one of the biggest clubs in the division.

Saunders, whose side won for the first time this season, said: “I’ll be completely honest, when he first came to the club, I wasn’t sure on him as a first-year apprentice.

“I wasn’t quite sure whether he could handle it but he’s just got better and better as it’s gone on.

“Obviously I know him well from coming through the academy and working with him but he’s just got a lot of confidence and he doesn’t let anything faze him.

“He’s just turned 18, and to come into the side and put on that performance against a big club like Wrexham, it speaks volumes.

“To get a goal, at home, in front of the fans, it’s fantastic.”

Richards impressed in substitute appearances against Leyton Orient and Aldershot, to convince Saunders it was time to start him.

He was forced off early in the second half after taking a kick on the knee but should be fine.

Saunders said: “To be honest, it’s a gamble. We hadn’t won a game and we’re playing Wrexham at home who are on good form.

“But I just felt if we’re going to put him in a game, this was it.

“He’s a lad that it doesn’t seem to affect him, he certainly doesn’t lack confidence and he’s not one that’s going to shy away from it.

“I didn’t particularly tell him. I spoke to him the other day and said, ‘look, there’s a few things you need to work on but you’re pushing for a start’.

“I didn’t tell him till I named my team, so I think it probably caught him by surprise but he took his goal well and had some great touches.”

Saunders was impressed with his back four - defender Alex Wynter also equalising - but felt Maidstone made hard work of beating a Wrexham side who finished with nine men.

The visitors had Manny Smith and Mark Carrington sent off as Stones were awarded a second-half penalty.

But Joe Pigott’s spot-kick was saved and several more chances went begging as the hosts tried to build on their 2-1 lead.

Saunders said: “Our forwards are so desperate to get on the scoresheet at the moment that people are shooting from angles that are impossible.

“You can see they’re low on confidence and they’re trying to get themselves a goal.

“It’s just unfortunate that for Pigs and Delano Sam-Yorke, it’s not quite falling but as long as they keep getting in those areas then sooner or later I honestly believe someone’s going to concede three or four because we are creating those chances.”

Read the match report from Maidstone's 2-1 win over Wrexham