Alex Akrofi wasn’t about to get in the way of Jay May scoring Maidstone’s winner at Hemel Hempstead.

Mitchell Pinnock’s cross was intended for Akrofi but it was May who pounced to head home in Tuesday night's 1-0 win.

Akrofi, handed his first start of the season by boss Jay Saunders, said: “I spoke to Mitch after the game and he said he was crossing for me. But when you see the big man coming you let him deal with it and it was a good header.

“It was nice to get that first start. I did well in pre-season, Jay was pleased with me and he said my chance would come pretty soon and to be ready for it. I’ve got a good relationship with Jay. It’s developed nicely.

“I know I’m not going to play every game, I’m under no illusions. I’ve just got to get my head down, keep working hard and try and make it difficult for him to leave me out.”

Akrofi finally feels settled at Maidstone after a tough start at the Gallagher Stadium. He finished last season on loan at former club Brentwood, scoring a hat-trick in the Ryman League Division 1 North play-off final.

Saunders challenged him to make a go of it at Maidstone and the young forward hasn’t looked out of place in National League South. He came off the bench to score United’s second goal in a 2-0 win at Sutton on the opening day.

Akrofi said: “I’m enjoying it here. I’ve acclimatised to the way it works now.

“There’s a lot of strong characters at Maidstone, which is a good thing and you either sink or swim. You have to make sure you stay afloat and get involved. That’s a big thing.”