George Elokobi loved Sol Wanjau-Smith’s Panenka penalty during Maidstone’s FA Trophy tie against Barnet.

Wanjau-Smith showed talent and nerve in equal measure to outwit keeper Laurie Walker and level Saturday’s Quarter-Final tie at the Gallagher.

To attempt it at 2-1 down, and in such a big game, might not be to every manager’s liking but Elokobi couldn’t get enough of it.

“I know Sol Wanjau-Smith has got that in him,” said the Stones caretaker boss.

“You can’t teach that. It’s within the player and these are the technical skills he has.

“To do that, not in just any normal circumstances, that took some serious nerve, but at the same time I love that.

“I love that and I want to see more of that.

“That’s one of our players expressing himself to the fullest.”

Wanjau-Smith went on to hit the bar during the penalty shoot-out as United lost 4-3 on spot-kicks, with Jack Barham’s effort saved.

It was cruel on the 23-year-old but Elokobi added: “We don’t need to feel sorry for him. It’s part of his development. It’s part of his growth.

“We are there to make sure we keep encouraging him. We can’t stop that. It would be wrong of us as a management team.

“I designated him for penalties today.

“I said if it goes to penalties make sure you take one, however it goes and whatever the outcome is.

“I’ll take the blame for it, so no problem there. He’s OK. He’s fine.”

It’s been a tough first season at the Gallagher for Wanjau-Smith, with knee issues blighting his debut campaign.

But having signed on a two-year deal from Hungerford last summer, Maidstone fans can look forward to seeing plenty more from him.

“Watch this space with Sol,” said Elokobi. "That’s all I’m going to say.

"We must make sure we look after him, to keep him fit and available for games.

"We know we’ve always got a match-winner, someone who can unlock defences, and that goes for all the forward players we’ve got at the football club.”