Maidstone moved seven points clear at the top of National League South with victory at Chippenham.

Jerome Binnom-Williams' second Stones goal was cancelled out by a brilliant strike from Tom Mehew.

But an outstanding effort from Joan Luque, just after the break, earned United a crucial victory in their title quest.

Chippenham had a couple of big penalty claims turned down near the end and Maidstone held on to take full advantage of second-placed Dorking's afternoon off.

Fit-again Sam Corne came in for Johl Powell in the only change to the Stones side who beat Havant last weekend.

Corne tested Nikah-Liburn-Hines, the Bluebirds’ emergency loan signing in goal, several times as Maidstone took the game to their opponents at Hardenhuish Park.

Chippenham have fared well against the top sides at home, including wins against Dorking and Dartford, but bar a couple of bright runs from Zaid Al-Hussaini early on, Maidstone were comfortably on top in the first half.

Joe Ellul, showing early dominance in the air, had a close-range shot blocked after Chippenham failed to deal with Roarie Deacon’s dangerous cross.

Corne saw a 25-yard strike tipped over soon after and while Jordan Young worked Tom Hadler by his post from an ambitious 30-yard free-kick, the Stones were soon in front.

The goal came in the 22nd minute with Luque showing a lovely bit of skill to reach the byline and square, the ball was cut out but reached Binnom-Williams, who thumped home on his right foot.

Liburn-Hines made another good save from Corne after Deacon picked out his run, followed by a more comfortable stop, and Corne also dragged an effort wide from the edge of the box.

Chippenham lost dangerman Al-Hussaini to injury but levelled in first-half stoppage time with Mehew’s thumping half-volley from the edge of the box which flew in off the underside of the bar.

Luque restored Maidstone’s lead two minutes into the second half, with another special strike.

After coming inside from the left, he bent an absolute beauty into the far corner from just outside the area.

Young planted a free header straight at Hadler as Chippenham missed a good chance to level on the hour, and Luke Russe flashed an effort inches past the far post.

In between those chances, Maidstone twice went close with Kieran Parselle sticking out a leg to deny Jack Barham following a good run, then Corne’s half-volley went just over.

Chippenham weren’t done and Hadler appeared to take a shot in the face from Joe Hanks, the Bluebirds man claiming he’d been pulled back in the box before pulling the trigger.

The hosts had another strong penalty appeal turned down in the closing stages with Mo Dabre going down under challenge from Hadler.

Maidstone: Hadler, Hoyte, Fowler, Ellul, Binnom-Williams, Odusanya, Phillips, Corne, Deacon (Pattisson 75mins), Luque, Barham (Ghandour 85mins). Subs not used: Elokobi, Powell, Mersin.

Referee: Richie Watkins.

Attendance: 707