Maidstone midfielder Dan Sweeney says he will always be a team player.

Sweeney was dropped ahead of Tuesday's match against Eastleigh but quickly recalled to the starting XI when Jamar Loza got held up in traffic.

The former Dulwich man scored his first goal of the season and was a tower of strength in midfield as United beat one of the best sides in the National League.

Sweeney said: “It’s one of those where we’re on a bad run so the squad’s going to rotate.

“But when Trig (Nicky Southall) asked if I was ready because Jamar wasn’t going to make it, I was and I had to be.

“You want to play and you’re disappointed when you’re not but we’re a team. We’ve got to be together no matter what, so whoever’s playing, I’m going to support and cheer them on anyway.”

Sweeney scored after only five minutes and carried out manager Jay Saunders’ instructions to the letter.

He added: “It was about time I scored – it was long overdue.

“Jay keeps telling me to make the box, me or Jack Paxman, whoever’s playing higher and luckily enough I did and it fell to me."

Saunders feels critics are quick to get on Sweeney’s back at times.

The man himself is aware of that but has nothing but praise for Maidstone fans for sticking by the team.

Sweeney said: “Sometimes, maybe, you hear stuff but I try and block it out.

"I love the fans – they are great – they cheer us on home and away, no matter what."

Read the full story in this week's Kent Messenger.