George Elokobi was thrilled with debutant Tom Leahy’s impact in Maidstone’s home win over Bath.

The half-time introduction of the on-loan Millwall striker transformed the match as United put a poor first half behind them to beat the Romans 3-0 on Saturday.

Offering much-needed support to Aaron Blair up front, Leahy, who’s on board for the rest of the season, was quickly involved in the game.

His run and shot led to the corner from which Reiss Greenidge broke the deadlock and he continued to look lively as further goals for Blair - his first since New Year’s Day - and Charlie Seaman clinched the points.

It was a welcome result after three games without a win, or a goal, and saw United rise a place to sixth in National League South.

“We looked at it in terms of Aaron being the lone striker in the first half,” said manager Elokobi.

“We wanted to compact the midfield because we knew they were going to compact the midfield area.

“It was important we matched them and tried to analyse what they were doing in the first half.

“In the second half it was important we had two forwards on that were out-and-out forwards that have got legs and the quality in the final third to create a partnership and I thought they did that terrifically.

“It was a fantastic debut by Tom, it was important we got him here, so thanks to Millwall for allowing him to come to us.

“He had other suitors in the National League and some of the big boys in the National League South that wanted his services but he chose Maidstone and we’re delighted for him having the feel of the Gallagher in fantastic voice.”

On Blair’s first goal in 10 games, Elokobi added: “He’s been coming closer and closer and hopefully that will give him confidence going into the next game.”

Maidstone didn’t get going in the first half but missed a golden chance to lead when Arjanit Krasniqi missed an open goal from Blair’s cutback.

Report: Maidstone 3-0 Bath

The tactical reshuffle, with Leahy’s introduction, turned things their way against a Bath side who are still not safe from relegation.

“I was delighted with the second-half performance,” said Elokobi.

“It was more effective and efficient.

“We had to look at the state of the first half.

“It wasn’t good enough in terms of how we wanted to play, how we set up, what we’ve worked on.

“We didn’t quite get a grasp of it in the first half.

“We were being overly safe and then at times causing our own problems at the back trying to be too clever, and that’s not us. But it was a much improved second half.

“The players took the strategy in and they executed it properly.”

Maidstone visit second-placed Eastbourne Borough on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Elokobi’s men are three points behind Boro, with a game in hand, and have a superior goal difference.

They travel to Priory Lane buoyed by their three goals against Bath after a recent dry spell.

“That was good for the confidence of the entire team,” said Elokobi.

“We have to look at taking this confidence and goalscoring touches into Tuesday night.”