Jay Saunders felt Tonbridge’s Boxing Day derby against Maidstone was a poor game.

Jordan Higgs’ stunning 94th-minute volley secured a 1-1 draw for the hosts after Matt Rush had given United the lead.

Saunders appreciated the class of Higgs’ strike - his second goal in four days after scoring another cracker in a 2-2 draw at Taunton on Saturday.

But he was disappointed with the quality of the game which attracted a record gate of 2,806 to Longmead.

“Higgo’s got that in his locker,” said Angels boss Saunders, whose side missed the calming influence of injured skipper Scott Wagstaff.

“If there’s anyone you’d want the ball to fall to in that area, it’s him.

“It’s an unbelievable strike, especially at that moment, because if the ball goes out it’s probably game over.

“As a spectacle, I thought it was quite a poor game. It was a typical derby. There wasn’t a lot in it.

“I didn’t think there was much quality in the game.

“Even their goal, it’s kind of hit Rushy and gone in but my biggest gripe with that is the build-up to it because it should have been our throw by the dugout.

“The linesman’s two yards away and he’s given it to them, and they've gone down the other side and scored.

“I was disappointed with us. I don’t think we got on the ball enough, as we can, but I suppose we’ve shown good character to keep going till the end.

“I thought a point was maybe about right if you’re looking on chances.

“I don’t remember Jonny Henly pulling off any unbelievable saves and I don’t remember their keeper either, so I don’t think we worked him enough.

“A lot of their chances came from set-pieces and the majority we dealt OK with them.

“You have to give some credit to Maidstone - I thought they stopped us doing what we’re good at.

“I won’t stand here and say it was all because we were rubbish. Fair play to George (Elokobi, manager) and them.

“Maidstone might see it differently, and supporters might see it differently, but I didn’t think there was any real quality in the game.

“People who’ve come and watched us here recently, some of our play has been excellent and I didn’t think we got to those levels today.

“I’m not a fan of Boxing Day games.

“I know it’s great for the crowd and everything but I never feel like the tempo’s the same.

“It’s a fantastic turnout for us and that’s why I’m a little bit disappointed because we’re better than what we showed.”

Stones fans sang Saunders’ name as he made his way to the dugout before kick-off.

It was the first time he’d managed against his old club since leaving the Gallagher in 2018.

Saunders said: “It’s nice and that’s why I gave them a clap back.

“Maidstone supporters, right to the end, they were always good to me.

“You give them a clap and get on with it because your mind’s on the game but for my kids and my family, it’s probably quite nice to see.

“A few people asked me if I was nervous and I said not at all. It’s just another game.

“It’s nice to see some old faces but my focus was on trying to win a game of football.”