Andre Coker says he felt like he was playing to a nation after thriving in Maidstone’s win over AFC Fylde.

Coker was struck by the atmosphere when he turned out at the Gallagher for Crystal Palace last summer, and it played a big part in his decision to join United on loan.

The stadium was buzzing again at the weekend as Jay Saunders’ side beat Fylde to virtually secure National League safety.

Coker said: “It felt like we’d won a cup with the atmosphere and the celebrations after.

“Every time we won the ball, or something as simple as a throw, the fans are screaming and shouting, and you can see it’s bigger than just a game.

“I’m not sure which was the better atmosphere out of this and the Palace game but they were both ridiculous.

“I don’t know how players play in front of 80, 90, 100,000 fans.

“It was nearly 2,500 and I felt like I was playing in front of a nation.”

Maidstone went into the game just three points clear of the relegation zone after a poor performance at Solihull.

Saunders responded by making five changes, including a start for Coker, and the team bounced back emphatically.

Coker said: “You could see from the beginning of the game the lads were just up for it, there was a roar about it, the fans were loud, everything.

“We needed to do it as a team. We came out with a game plan and it’s just nice we could come away with the win.

“Everyone was low and flat after Tuesday and we’ve got together as a team with the gaffer and just said we need better, we need to do more.”

Coker learned his trade as a winger but delivered a man-of-the-match performance at centre-forward.

He added: “I was prepared to play.

“Up front was a bit of a shock but I had the same goal, to work for the team.

“All my life I’ve played as a winger so I’ve learnt how to play there in terms of defending and the tactics of playing on the wing.

“I’ve played up front at Crystal Palace for about a season so I’m still learning but there’s certain aspects to it I’m still unsure about.

“The performance comes from the players around you.

“When you’ve got that support behind you it gives you that boost to do stuff you didn’t even know you could do.”