The key to Maidstone United's FA Trophy win against Dorking Wanderers

By: Craig Tucker ctucker@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 06:00, 17 January 2021

Maidstone manager Hakan Hayrettin praised the "unbelievable" effort and desire of his side in their FA Trophy win against Dorking.

The Stones moved into the last 16 after a 2-1 win over their National South promotion rivals at the Gallagher Stadium.

Ravan Constable saved a second-half penalty in Maidstone's FA Trophy win Picture: Keith Gillard

They had plenty of defending to do in the second half but held firm, with Ravan Constable’s penalty save from Jason Prior securing their progress.

“Part of your game sometimes is not all about the free-flowing football, it’s about making sure we defend in the right areas at the right time,” said Hayrettin.

“Yes, we gave away a sloppy penalty, but the effort and the desire the players put in today is unbelievable, after the game on Tuesday.

mpu1

“I’m proud of them. We defended as a team.

“The pleasing thing for me was first half we did everything right.

“We knew they were going to change it second half and bring Prior on.

“We adapted, we dealt with it the best way we could and we could have had a couple in the second half as well.

“Last 15/20 minutes was backs to the wall and it’s going to be like that because they’ve got nothing to lose.

“They threw everything at us and, sometimes, when you’re in that position and it’s going to go to penalties, you don’t care about formations and shape, you just want to push forward, which they did.

mpu2

“But the pleasing thing for me was the team defended well and Ravan made a good save for the penalty.

“I’m pleased for them because now is the time to show some consistency in results and I think today was a good game, against a very good team, who’d beaten a Conference National team in the previous round.

“It was a solid performance and I utilised the squad.”

On-loan Fulham defender Jaydn Mundle-Smith made his debut alongside skipper George Elokobi, with Joe Ellul out injured.

He was among four changes to the side from the midweek victory at Eastbourne and Hayrettin was impressed with his new recruit.

“I thought he did very well,” said the Stones boss. “At the back end of last season he was with Maidenhead and then Covid hit, but I’ve brought him in because of his attributes.

"He’s strong, he’s quick and he knows the level.

“You know me, I’ve got a book full of contacts. He’s someone I’ve liked, someone I’ve seen previously, I’ve got a good relationship with Fulham and I’ve utilised it.

"We’re happy to say we’ve got him till the end of the season.

"It’s asking a lot of Joe and George to play every minute.

“After the way Jaydn played today, why can’t he get himself in there?”