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Maidstone United head coach Hakan Hayrettin on the 1-1 draw with AFC Fylde

09:01, 10 February 2019

updated: 10:54, 10 February 2019

Hakan Hayrettin got the response he wanted as Maidstone battled back for a point against AFC Fylde.

The Coasters dominated the first half and led through Aron Davies' own goal.

But an improved second-half display was rewarded when Jake Robinson forced an own goal from Danny Philliskirk.

Jake Robinson, centre, with Michael Phillips and Dan Wishart after forcing Maidstone's own-goal equaliser .Picture: Sean Aidan
Jake Robinson, centre, with Michael Phillips and Dan Wishart after forcing Maidstone's own-goal equaliser .Picture: Sean Aidan

The Stones are now seven points from safety in the National League but a 1-1 draw against a side chasing the title goes down as a positive result.

Head coach Hayrettin said: "First half, we didn't play as well as what we have or what we've seen in training and second half we worked really hard to get a point.

"We played against a very good team, organised, they used the ball really well, but I just asked for them in the second half to show a bit more fight, a bit more willing and give the supporters something and I think they did that.

"We could have nicked it, so could they."

Hayrettin was again in sole charge with John Still away but they spoke regularly in the build-up.

Jake Cassidy in the thick of things on his return to Maidstone Picture: Sean Aidan
Jake Cassidy in the thick of things on his return to Maidstone Picture: Sean Aidan

Still had warned his right-hand man not to get carried away by the encouraging performance in Tuesday's 1-1 FA Trophy draw at Salford - and he was spot on as Fylde bossed the first half.

Hayrettin said: "I run everything past John. At the end of the day John said to me just don't get fooled by one game, have a look at it overall, which is right.

"His experience and knowledge is vital.

"Let's have it right, he's been there, done it and worn the T-shirt, so I took his advice.

"I spoke to him today three or four times and in the end we had to work hard to get a point but I thought in the second half we showed a lot of determination, a lot of grit, a lot of fight and that's what we need."

Read the match report from Maidstone's 1-1 draw with AFC Fylde

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