George Elokobi couldn’t speak highly enough of Maidstone’s performance against Welling on New Year’s Day.

The Stones lost three players before the game, with Antony Papadopoulos and Matt Rush recalled from loan spells, and Matt Bentley leaving for a US scholarship.

But they found a way to win with Riley Court, Sol Wanjau-Smith and Charlie Seaman forming a new-look attacking trio before main striker Aaron Blair.

Blair’s 69th-minute header saw the Stones start 2025 with a sixth successive win to retain third place in National League South, two points behind leaders Torquay.

“Proud - that’s the word for it,” said manager Elokobi, after his side extended their unbeaten run to 17 games.

“It was an excellent win and an excellent team performance. The players were magnificent.

“They were superb in executing the game plan, respecting the opposition and what they’re going to come here and do.

“It’s a local derby and we spoke about grittiness, composure, accountability, discipline, making the right decisions on and off the ball, and the most important thing was to try and get three points.

“We wanted to start the year on a positive and the players have been different class in doing so.

“I thought there were some terrific individual performances in there.

“As a team, it was a fantastic clean-sheet performance and that’s the beauty of the environment at the moment in terms of our high standards.”

Report: Maidstone 1-0 Welling

Blair pounced for his 15th goal of the season after Temi Eweka’s header from a Ben Brookes corner was blocked.

“That’s Aaron Blair,” said Elokobi.

“When it comes to putting the ball in the back of the net, it’s about being composed, which is the hardest thing.

“For all his work ethic, he’s got that quality to hit the back of the net on a regular basis and I’m proud of him but it’s not just Aaron Blair.

“Riley Court has come in, played in a different position and I thought he was excellent - excellent.

“He’s got George Fowler behind him to help him a senior player and I thought offensively and defensively he did his job.

“He did what was asked of him, and Charlie Seaman playing on the opposite side, and Sol had to forge a partnership with Aaron Blair straight away and then had to go out wide as well.

“Everyone has contributed.

“The defenders were colossal at the back, Alexis Andre Jr was commanding in goal, we had Reiss Greenidge coming in and Tayt Trusty starting with Jordan Higgs in midfield.

“These are the standards the players have set for themselves.”