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Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin on the 1-1 National League draw with FC Halifax

05:00, 09 October 2022

updated: 09:45, 09 October 2022

Maidstone boss Hakan Hayrettin was satisfied with a point against FC Halifax.

Roarie Deacon’s last-minute goal earned a 1-1 draw at the Gallagher Stadium on Saturday.

Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin. Picture: Steve Terrell
Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin. Picture: Steve Terrell

Deacon’s goal couldn’t stop the Stones dropping into the National League relegation zone for the first time this season, Yeovil climbing out after beating Solihull Moors 1-0.

But they at least ended their losing run, which was on the verge of reaching five games until the late leveller.

Maidstone are 21st in the table, behind FC Halifax on goal difference, going into the break for an FA Cup weekend.

“It was a nervy game,” said Hayrettin. “I don’t think we played anywhere near like we’re used to but the boys were a bit on tenterhooks.

“We dug in there, we did the right things, we tried to stay in the game, which I think we did.

“I think we were a little bit unfortunate because it was against the run of play when they scored but we got back into it and got our rewards.

“It was a tense game but sometimes that’s going to happen, players are going to feel that, but I’m pleased with the boys, it’s a good point.

“With the greatest respect to Halifax, they were doing a bit of timewasting every time we went forward but I’m happy with the point, I’ll take the point and we’ll go again.”

Hayrettin revealed there was no Tom Hadler in the squad due to concussion, while George Fowler was injured.

The Stones boss reverted to a back four, with Jacob Mensah enjoying a solid debut in central defence.

Mensah, who joined Crystal Palace from Ramsgate as a teenager, left Morecambe at the end of last season.

“We needed to get him in, didn’t we?" said Hayrettin. “He was a free agent, he’s been training with us and we signed him.

“He did well, he’s a good lad. Hopefully it’s a long-term thing. I thought he was man-of-the-match.”

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