Justin Amaluzor scored against his old club as Maidstone beat Braintree at the Gallagher Stadium.

It’s the second game running he’s proved to be United’s match-winner, having also delivered the only goal against Oxford last time out.

The Stones had plenty of chances to win by more but Amaluzor’s strike was enough.

Chris Lewington barely touched the ball as Maidstone dominated the first half.

The Stones deserved more than the one-goal lead at half-time, such was their dominance at the Gallagher.

With Saidou Khan, Zihni Temelci and Andre Boucaud once again bossing midfield, United could play with confidence and the result was some lovely football.

Khan worked Billy Johnson after a neat one-two with Noah Chesmain before Maidstone’s 17th-minute opener.

Temelci collected Khan’s pass and found Amaluzor, who cut inside and beat his man before firing across Johnson into the far corner.

Khan just got under a header in the six-yard box moments later - a good chance to add a second - and Amaluzor had a shot blocked as Maidstone threatened again.

There were further chances before the break with Ibby Akanbi denied by a well-timed challenge from Stevie Sheehan and hitting the outside of the post.

Another big opportunity saw Amaluzor’s header, from a Dan Wishart corner, kept out by Johnson’s excellent reaction save.

There were a couple of blows for the Stones in the first half with left-back Chesmain going off with a hamstring injury while Wishart faces a two-game ban after picking up his 10th booking.

Johnson made another fine save from Ross Marshall’s looping header as United picked up where they left at the start of the second half.

However, a first opening for Braintree followed after a rare mistake from Temelci gifted possession to Brandon Ocran but Lewington made a comfortable stop.

That seemed to give the Iron a bit of belief and the fear was Maidstone might live to regret their missed chances.

A coming-together between Khan and Kyran Clements added a bit of spice - veteran Iron boss George Borg was booked for his reaction - while Maidstone fans were screaming for a penalty midway through the half when Iffy Allen appeared to be tripped.

The Stones got on top again with Marshall’s goalbound header inadvertently blocked by his own man, Akanbi.

But Wishart came to the rescue with a clearance at the other end after Jordan Chiedozie turned Marshall and went for goal.

The Stones should have had a second in the last few minutes but Allen was far too casual with his finish after Boucaud laid a goal on a plate and George Elokobi let him know about it.

Maidstone: Lewington, Hoyte, Marshall, Elokobi, Chesmain (Allen 34mins), Boucaud, Temelci (Corne 85mins), Khan, Amaluzor, Akanbi (Olutade 82mins), Wishart. Subs not used: Cole, Johnson.

Attendance: 1,875 (53 away).

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