Maidstone go into the National League South play-offs in great shape after thrashing Hampton & Richmond.

Manager George Elokobi was thrilled with his side’s performance in a 5-1 victory over the Beavers.

They secured fourth spot and a home eliminator against seventh-placed Aveley on Wednesday night, with the winners away to Worthing in the semi-finals next Sunday.

Sam Corne - named manager’s player and supporters’ player-of-the-year after the game - scored twice, including a magnificent volley.

The tally also included a stunning 25-yard half-volley from Matt Bentley, which was the 400th league scored by Maidstone in 12 years at the Gallagher Stadium.

“It was good to finish the season on a positive note,” said Elokobi. “We knew what team we were facing today.

“We knew their strengths and weaknesses and the players executed the game plan magnificently from the start.

“I wanted us to play with creativity and freedom and I said to the players, can someone have that bit of individual brilliance?

“We saw that with Sam Corne and Matt Bentley.

“They were both fantastic goals. I couldn’t pick between them.”

Reiss Greenidge scored with just over a minute played - Corne the provider - and while Dean Inman levelled, the Stones demolished their opponents, with Matt Rush also on target.

“It was a very effective, efficient performance,” added Elokobi. “When we conceded the goal we didn’t let our heads drop.

“We kept our levels high on the pitch and made sure our ball speed was at its maximum in terms of how we wanted to move the ball and expose their weaknesses. We did that in bundles.”

Maidstone, starting the day in fifth, still had a chance of finishing third and going straight through to a home play-off semi-final but Worthing’s 4-2 win over Weston put paid to that.

Braintree host Bath in the other eliminator for the right to face runners-up Chelmsford away.

The Stones, Kent Senior Cup winners against Ebbsfleet in midweek, did all they could and ended the season in style.

Elokobi said: “It was important we took care of our business today and it was a fantastic performance from everyone – sublime.

“The objective was to finish in the top seven and be competitive in every game and we’ve done that as a group.

“As a management team we know we’re not done yet but it’s important we enjoy this moment and enjoy the season we’ve had and when we’ll switch our attention to Aveley when we’re next in training.”

Elokobi, meanwhile, praised talisman Corne after his player-of-the-year double.

The midfielder has shown his class all season, including 13 goals and 10 assists, also captaining the side in the absence of Gavin Hoyte.

“It’s not just his performances in games but how he conducts himself in training and away from the training ground,” said Elokobi. “He looks after himself and he’s always reliable.

“Other players have been magnificent as well but there’s only one player I could choose for manager’s player-of-the-year and he stood out.

“His all-round performances have been superb, he’s delivered in key moments and he’s been a true leader for us while Gavin Hoyte’s been out injured.

“It’s a big responsibility taking on the captaincy but he’s thrived off it.”

Goalkeeper Lucas Covolan took the players’ player award.