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Maidstone United boss George Elokobi on a goal-of-the-season contender from Sam Corne and reaction to 3-2 National League South victory over Torquay

06:12, 07 February 2024

updated: 08:27, 07 February 2024

George Elokobi saw another goal-of-the-season contender as Maidstone beat Torquay at the Gallagher on Tuesday night.

Sam Corne’s 25-yard rocket - with his weaker left foot - flew into the top corner to give United a 3-2 victory.

Sam Corne fires home Maidstone's 87th-minute winner against Torquay. Picture: Steve Terrell
Sam Corne fires home Maidstone's 87th-minute winner against Torquay. Picture: Steve Terrell

He couldn’t have struck the ball any sweeter after collecting a pass from Bivesh Gurung and going for goal with three minutes left.

Boss Elokobi might have felt he’d seen United’s goal-of-the-season back in November, with Levi Amantchi’s brilliant solo effort against Havant, calling for the footage to go viral.

Gurung’s FA Cup winner against Barrow and Lamar Reynolds’ chip at Ipswich are also up there and Corne has added to the list of worldies.

Earlier efforts from Matt Rush - his 10th Stones goal - and a fourth in four games from Mo Faal were also fine efforts - as the hosts led twice before Corne’s late winner.

It was a second significant win in four days for the Stones, following a 2-1 success against leaders Yeovil, and sent Elokobi’s side up to third place in National League South.

“It’s a brilliant result for our football club,” said Elokobi.

“It takes us in the right direction against a very good side in Torquay.

“We knew what we were coming up against in Gary Johnson’s team.

“All the goals we scored were absolutely brilliant and the last goal from Sam Corne is going to be up there as goal of the season I think.

Sam Corne celebrates his late winner. Picture: Steve Terrell
Sam Corne celebrates his late winner. Picture: Steve Terrell

“Again all credit to our group of players. After the magnitude of the result on Saturday, we’ve challenged them to give us another excellent performance and they’ve replied positively.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be plain sailing. Torquay suffered a heavy defeat over the weekend (losing 4-0 to St Albans) and they were going to be looking for a reaction.

“They wouldn’t go down without fighting.

“In terms of the magnitude of the game, it’s always going to be a cagey affair between us two.

“We’ve played them twice and this is the first time this season we’ve done the double on a team (and it’s three wins including the FA Cup).

Matt Rush gives Maidstone the lead. Picture: Steve Terrell
Matt Rush gives Maidstone the lead. Picture: Steve Terrell

“Again, it’s about showing that resilience. We conceded two goals but we kept on going, kept on being positive in our play and we said to the players it’s about trusting your self-belief.

“If you are in the final third and you know you can hit them, make sure you hit the target.

“Sam Corne has let one fly and it was time for us to celebrate.”

Report: Maidstone 3-2 Torquay

Elokobi named an unchanged team against a Torquay side who find themselves outside the play-off places after a poor run, having been expected to challenge Yeovil for the title.

The Gulls battled hard for their manager but Maidstone are in a good place, with the players delivering again.

“It’s about making sure the ones that started, can you keep the shirt?” said Elokobi.

Four goals in four games for in-form striker Mo Faal. Picture: Steve Terrell
Four goals in four games for in-form striker Mo Faal. Picture: Steve Terrell

“Can you make sure no one gets that shirt off you because in that changing room there’s a lot of players waiting to jump on and do exactly what everyone’s doing that’s starting, so that’s a challenge to the group to maintain high standards.

“The players know that but you’ve got to enjoy victories like this.

“We have to enjoy it as a football club, as a team our players have to enjoy it and I’ve told them to enjoy every bit of it.

“It’s been a fantastic six points out of six in what you’d call blockbuster games in Yeovil and now Torquay. It’s some effort from our boys.”

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