Alex Akrofi scored twice as Maidstone claimed their first home win of the season against 10-man Hayes & Yeading on Saturday.

Akrofi’s double - including a penalty - followed Jay May’s early header as Stones made it three victories in five matches in National League South.

Hayes, who had a spot-kick of their own saved, replied with a minute left.

Unchanged United were rewarded for a bright start when May rose to head home Mitchell Pinnock’s far-post corner after 11 minutes.

Stones were comfortably the better side and went close to a second when Jack Paxman found Joe Healy whose first-time strike from 25 yards crashed back off the bar.

A crazy few seconds saw Maidstone concede a penalty - Lee Worgan keeping out Luke Williams’ poor strike - before winning one at the other end when Akrofi raced through and was brought down by Ed Sanders.

Last-man Sanders was dismissed and Akrofi sent keeper Dan Lincoln the wrong way from the spot to double Stones’ lead on 29 minutes.

May was crowded out in the six-yard box when presented with a big chance to add a third from Tom Mills’ pull-back, while Pinnock dragged wide from Paxman’s pass.

The 10 men had their moments towards the end of the half, Worgan keeping out Tyrell Miller-Rodney’s 40-yard lob on the line after a mistake by Healy in midfield.

Worgan had to be alert again in injury time to turn Jake Nicholson’s 25-yard free-kick out for a corner.

Paxman’s ball over the top sent Akrofi through early in the second half but, under pressure, the finish didn’t match his run.

Stones kept possession nicely without troubling the keeper again until midway through the half when Lincoln made a superb save from Alex Brown’s deflected strike.

Akrofi then added his second on 70 minutes, stabbing home on the line after Bobby Joe-Taylor got his head to Matt Bodkin’s cross. The ball was probably going in anyway but Akrofi made sure.

Hayes pulled a goal back in the 89th minute, Ismael Ehui on target after Steve Watt was caught out at a free-kick.

Maidstone: Worgan, Driver, Mills, Watt, Parry, Brown, Paxman (Bodkin 66mins), Healy, May (Collin 66mins), Akrofi, Pinnock (Taylor 59mins). Subs not used: Coyle, Johnson.

Attendance: 1,906