Jay Saunders’ substitutions paid off in Maidstone’s comeback victory at Sutton.

At 1-0 down, Saunders turned to Zavon Hines and Jack Paxman and the pair had a big say as United beat the National League leaders.

Hines upset a U’s defence who had looked comfortable, setting up Magnus Okuonghae’s leveller and then fellow sub Paxman for a spectacular second in Stones’ 3-1 win.

Manager Saunders, whose side are up to 14th, said: “They look like good subs. It’s always nice when you make changes and they come off.

“Zav’s got that bit of quality. Every time he got the ball, he’s just got that composure, that bit of quality.

“Where we went to the diamond to match them it kind of suited him having that free role in behind the frontman but then he had to dig in and do a job for us, which he did well.

“Overall I thought the pair had a massive impact and I’m pleased for Pax.

“He’s had a tough time of late, he knows he’s probably not reached the standards he can but if we can get him right he’s an important player for us and he showed that. I thought his workrate defensively was excellent as well.”

Sutton, whose defeat saw them lose top spot to Dagenham, controlled the first half and led through Tommy Wright but three goals in 15 minutes turned the match Maidstone’s way.

Saunders said: “I just think it was a game of two halves. First and foremost, Sutton are a very good side.

“They’re very good at what they do, they play a diamond, they get it up to the frontmen quick, then they’ve got quality in midfield that can hurt you.

“We never started. That was my biggest gripe at half-time. I didn’t think we got going and we didn’t deal with it.

“Once we got in at half-time, we spoke to them about a few things and got them doing what we wanted to them to do and, second half, I thought we looked in complete control.”

Joe Pigott clinched back-to-back victories with a lovely late chip, his first goal since the opening-day draw with Maidenhead.

Saunders said: “He worked his socks off again, him and Delano Sam-Yorke, and it’s tough for him but he’s not given up on that and it’s a great finish.

“I would have hated that not to have gone in. I’d have felt for the lad because one thing he is doing, if he’s not taking his chances, is he’s working his absolute socks off and hopefully people can see that.

“I’m delighted for him because he’s come in, he’s doing extra finishing, he’s doing all he can and he’s another lad that cares and wants to do well for the club and for himself and hopefully that’ll be the start of a little run.”

Read the match report from Maidstone's 3-1 win at Sutton