George Elokobi has defended his decision to rest leading scorer Levi Amantchi amid questions from Maidstone fans.

Amantchi had been on the bench for three games before returning to the starting XI against Dover on Tuesday night.

He scored the winner as United beat their struggling Kent rivals 1-0 at the Gallagher Stadium.

The goal took his tally for the season to 16.

Amantchi’s importance to the team is clear and that's why Stones boss Elokobi gave him a break - with the bigger picture in mind.

“It was me resting Levi,” said Elokobi.

“Levi was resting, to be refreshed because of the amount of games we’ve got this month, and with the volume of games he’s played as well.

“We look at all of the data and we ensure we look after the players.

“Let’s not forget, he’s come from a part-time environment into a full-time environment in pre-season and he’s been excellent.

“It was time for him to get one-and-a-half weeks or two weeks’ rest and play a part from the bench and he’s done that excellently.

“We had a plan, knowing that he was going to come back in for the game against Dover.”

Amantchi came off the bench to score against Chesham and Eastbourne during his spell out of the starting line-up.

Fully refreshed, the big man put Dover to the sword by scoring the only goal three minutes before half-time.

Elokobi said: “I am the manager of this football club and I know my players better than our supporters.

“We know our players better as a management team and we look at the data.

“We try to manage them right and we don’t want to lose a prolific goalscorer.

“It’s important we look at our players and make sure they’re fresh.

‘Good sides don't lose two in a row’

“You don’t want to burn out in November - you don’t win anything in November.

“Levi understood. We spoke about it and he understood, just like when I left Sol Wanjau-Smith out as well because he had to rest, and he’s come back fresher and Levi is the same.

“Everyone is going to have their time when we feel like they need to rest.

“It’s just making sure we manage our squad right.

“It’s not the biggest at the moment but making changes when we do, it gives us a chance to make sure we select from a fresh group.”

Maidstone face another Kent derby this Saturday (3pm) when they visit Dartford in the FA Trophy Second Round.

They’re balancing league and FA Cup commitments but the Trophy is still an important competition.

Elokobi said: “We go into every game trying to win and trying to give a good account of ourselves and Dartford will be no different.”

Midfielder Devonte Aransibia serves a one-match ban.

The Stones are due in league action at Chelmsford on Monday night (7.45pm).