Reaction from Maidstone United manager Jay Saunders after 1-1 draw with Aldershot
Published: 07:45, 16 August 2017
Fans leaving early weren't the only ones to miss Maidstone's injury-time leveller against Aldershot - the boss didn't see it either.
The box was so crowded as Josh Hare met Jai Reason's cross in the 95th minute that Jay Saunders couldn't make out what happened.
But the reaction from the Gallagher crowd told him everything he needed to know as Maidstone claimed a point against the National League leaders.
Saunders said: "I'm just pleased to get something out it really.
"With the chances we missed at good times, I was thinking 'here we go again'.
"They're a good side but to keep going was nice and, like I say, I'm pleased to get a point.
"I actually didn't see the header but apparently it was a very good leap, so I'm delighted for Josh."
Hare's goal vindicated the decision to include the former Gills man at right-back over Seth Twumasi.
It was a big call -and Saunders got it right.
He said: "Seth's one of them, he's been great for us.
"I just felt he's been punished at the moment for any mistake and I could see it's maybe knocking his confidence a little bit.
"I pulled him in training yesterday and just said, 'look, I'm going to give Josh a go' and he was good about it.
"His response was, 'look, we're in this together, it's a team thing, I understand' and that's the response I want.
"I know his head won't go down and he'll train hard until he gets his place back.
"But Josh has done well. I knew he could play a few positions but I thought at right-back he'd be a good option for us and today he put in some great crosses and kept going."
Read the match report from Maidstone's 1-1 draw with Aldershot
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Craig Tucker