John Still has urged Maidstone players to step up to the plate in the absence of captain George Elokobi.

Skipper Elokobi starts a three-game ban when United host Hampton on Saturday after an appeal against his red card at Chippenham was rejected.

United also failed to get Noah Chesmain's dismissal overturned, meaning he also sits out the next three matches after both men were sent off for serious foul play.

Elokobi's leadership qualities will be missed but it's a chance for others to show what they can do.

Head of football Still said: "You miss George's personality but sometimes people have to learn how to do things by themselves as well.

"Maybe someone else will step forward and lead us - that's how I've always looked at it. Let's see what happens.

"If you get a group of people and I'm the loudest, sometimes it drowns you, but if I'm not there maybe you come out of yourself.

"It's an opportunity for someone to step up and do the job George does."

Maidstone were booed off by some fans after losing to Bath on Tuesday night.

It was a frustrating evening but the Stones need everyone with them as they look to leapfrog National League South play-off rivals Hampton into eighth place this weekend.

Still said: "I don't just do this job, I am a football supporter.

"I go to watch Dagenham and West Ham and when they don't do well, I get disappointed.

"I don't boo - I'm an adult - but it's natural to be disappointed when you lose.

"Supporters want to see their team win and until Tuesday, only Wealdstone had lost fewer games at home than us.

"We'd lost two - now three - and they've only lost once.

"Our home form has been good and I think we played OK against Bath but we need to find a way of scoring goals."

Maidstone could have a decision to make in goal with Chris Lewington set to be available after recovering from a dead leg.

Lewington had been in excellent form after taking Jake Cole's place before Christmas but went off injured at Chippenham.

That opened the door for Cole, who's looked assured on his return to the side.

Still said: "To be fair, Lewy's leg was much better than we thought.

"It was touch and go whether we put him on the bench on Tuesday but I think he'll be OK for Saturday.

"I don't know who will play. We'll worry about that on Friday."

• Still on Akanbi switch

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