Mo Faal had a feeling he was going to score the winning goal in Maidstone’s play-off eliminator against Aveley.

Faal’s injury-time strike completed a 2-1 comeback victory at the Gallagher Stadium on Wednesday night.

“When I came on I told myself I’m going to get the winner and thankfully it happened,” said the on-loan Havant striker.

“Believe and it will happen.

“To get the winner, what a feeling, and at home as well.”

Faal’s introduction as a second-half substitute changed the game as United hit back from a goal down.

He went close with virtually his first touch, giving United the lift they needed against stubborn opponents.

Matt Rush levelled moments later and Faal was the coolest man in the stadium when he finished a pass from Rush in the second minute of added time.

He said: “Naturally I’m a direct player so when I get in positions, I want to shoot, I want to affect the game.

“When I had that chance after I came on I could see the place lift a bit and I think it gave us the kick we needed.

“Rushy scored a good goal shortly after and it looked like there was only one winner from there. We controlled the game well and I got the winner.

“To be honest, those finishes are my favourite, the little finesse ones, like Thierry Henry.

“Well, maybe not as good as him, but I’ll always try.

“For me, it was muscle memory when I got in that position and the rest took care of itself. I’m happy we got the job done.”

Maidstone visit Worthing in the semi-finals on Sunday (3pm).

Faal will be in contention to start after his performance against Aveley.

“I’ve played Worthing over the years in the Isthmian League and I played against them last season and scored,” said the striker.

“I’ve got quite a good record against them so hopefully that will be a good omen for Sunday.

“All of us want to play, in the 16 or the 20, and I’m no different.

“Whatever the gaffer decides, I’ll go with it.

“Whether I’m starting or on the bench, I’m ready to be used however I’m needed.”

The season could yet end in promotion for Faal while his parent club Havant have been relegated from National League South.

“Life’s like that,” he said. “I’m quite a religious person so when things like this happen it strengthens my belief.

“Coming off the bench to score the winner, it makes it all worth it.

“Relegation to promotion - let’s see.”

Faal’s faith recently saw him observe the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, with no eating or drinking during daylight hours.

He continued to play while fasting, which was a challenge.

“It was really tough, this Ramadan,” said Faal.

“This was the second time I’ve done it in a season and I think it does affect my performance but more so the fact I’m travelling over two hours to training and two hours back home and then going to games.

“It took a toll on my body throughout that period when we had games every three days but I feel like I’ve got my body back now and I think that’s showed.

“It’s a special time as well, fasting. It’s a good time to be with your family, reset your habits and realign your values.

“To couple that with football, it is tough but the management team tried to make sure that whatever I needed, it was there.

“If I was maybe tired or I needed a rest, they’d give it to me.”