Hakan Hayrettin felt Maidstone were the better side for much of their game at Welling.

United had more possession but didn't make it count and were punished for switching off at a free-kick.

Luke Rooney played a quick ball in behind left-back Luke Pennell for Aaron Cosgrave to score the only goal.

Stones head coach Hayrettin said: "We were better than them for big periods of the game, we controlled the game.

"We missed a couple of good chances early in the second half, we had good play in and around their box first half but we made a mistake, a lapse of concentration by Pennell, and we got punished.

"He should be dealing with that. That's twice they've got in behind him. You've got to deal with that a bit better.

"We were the better team, we just didn't utilise what we had and made a silly mistake."

Maidstone lost Jonny Edwards to injury at half-time, having gambled on his fitness.

Iffy Allen had their one big chance, denied on the goalline, and Hayrettin says they need to do better up front.

• Match report: Welling 1-0 Maidstone

He said: "We've just got to be a bit more competitive up top because the longer the game goes on, you can't keep heading it and kicking it, you've got to make sure it sticks up there.

"There's exciting players up there but you've got to produce.

"If you don't buy a ticket you aren't going to win the raffle.

"If you don't get in that box, how are you going to score?

"It's a brand new squad - I think we've got 18 new players - and it takes a bit of time to gel. It's just bedding it all in."

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