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Maidstone United manager George Elokobi feels momentum is building following 4-0 victory over National League South promotion rivals Boreham Wood

Manager George Elokobi can feel momentum building after Maidstone’s big victory over Boreham Wood at the Gallagher Stadium on Saturday.

The Stones beat their National League South promotion rivals 4-0 thanks to Sol Wanjau-Smith’s double, a Ben Brookes penalty, and defender George Fowler.

Sol Wanjau-Smith celebrates after giving Maidstone a 1-0 lead against Boreham Wood. Picture: Steve Terrell
Sol Wanjau-Smith celebrates after giving Maidstone a 1-0 lead against Boreham Wood. Picture: Steve Terrell

That’s 10 goals scored and none conceded in their last three games, following back-to-back 3-0 wins over Chippenham and Hampton.

And they moved above Boreham Wood into sixth place in the table with five games remaining after extending their unbeaten run to six games.

Maidstone are in form at a key time although, as ever, they have to keep their feet on the ground.

“In terms of preparation, the credit goes to the players,” said Stones boss Elokobi.

Maidstone skipper Sam Corne works his way out a tight spot against Boreham Wood. Picture: Steve Terrell
Maidstone skipper Sam Corne works his way out a tight spot against Boreham Wood. Picture: Steve Terrell

“That was an outstanding performance but you’ve got to look at the manner of how we approached the game.

“We knew what their strengths were and I thought we coped really well with some of their key players.

“It was important we didn’t give them a lot of chances inside our 18-yard box and that we took our own chances, and the players were terrific in doing so.

“Credit goes not just to the group of players but also to Zach Foster-Crouch (head of recruitment), Craig Fagan (assistant manager) and the backroom staff to prepare these boys for what was going to be a six-pointer.

Maidstone defender Temi Eweka keeps his eye on the ball. Picture: Steve Terrell
Maidstone defender Temi Eweka keeps his eye on the ball. Picture: Steve Terrell

“We know, yes, you can only get three points, but we knew we were playing in front of our home crowd and the players have been performing exceptionally well.

“It’s about building momentum and the boys are playing with such freedom, and what’s not to admire from them?

“After a superb performance, we have to make sure we get the players’ feet back on the ground.

Report: Maidstone 4-0 Boreham Wood

“But they are full of confidence, which is good to see.”

As well as moving up a place, Maidstone have also maintained their four-point cushion over next week’s hosts, Weston, who sit just outside the play-offs.

Safe hands from Maidstone keeper Alexis Andre Jr on his way to a 21st clean sheet in the league. Picture: Steve Terrell
Safe hands from Maidstone keeper Alexis Andre Jr on his way to a 21st clean sheet in the league. Picture: Steve Terrell

They’re aware of what’s below them but can also look up, with just four points between separating second and sixth.

Leaders Worthing are seven points clear of the Stones.

“We’ve told the players, as a management team, we’ve reinforced the need not to be scared of anything,” said Elokobi.

“We’ve got to play with freedom.

“We’ve been playing exciting football and we can only prepare for what’s in front of us.

New signing Pharrell Willis runs at the Boreham Wood defence following his second-half introduction. Picture: Steve Terrell
New signing Pharrell Willis runs at the Boreham Wood defence following his second-half introduction. Picture: Steve Terrell

“We stay humble in victory but the most important thing now is to make sure the players are fully recovered.

“We know we’re going to be facing a stern test away from home against Weston.”

Elokobi gave forward Pharrell Willis, Maidstone’s new loan signing from Middlesbrough, his debut as a second-half substitute.

Midfielder Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong, who’s rejoined after a spell at Wealdstone, also came off the bench.

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