Maidstone's title bid is now out of their own hands after they slipped to a 2-1 defeat to second-placed Hendon.

Hendon are now five points behind Ryman League Premier Division leaders Maidstone with two games in hand - but they do travel to third-placed Margate on Thursday who are eight points back with two games in hand also.

The Stones made a positive start with George Porter firing over, after Frannie Collin flicked on Matt Bodkin's cross in the third minute.

And Maidstone took the lead 12 minutes later, as Collin against flicked on a Bodkin cross for Jay May to hammer home.

David Diehiou went close for the home side, firing over, while at the other end May saw a header clear the crossbar.

Then, three minutes before half-time, Hendon drew level through an Andre da Costa free-kick which flew into the top left-hand corner.

And the home side almost went in front right on half-time when another free-kick forced Maidstone keeper Lee Worgan into action, pushing the effort wide for a corner.

Disaster struck for Maidstone in the 53rd minute when Tom Mills saw red for a push in the penalty area. Sam Murphy fired home from the spot to put the hosts in front.

Maidstone huffed and puffed as they tried to find a way back into the game but a May shot that went over was the closest they came.