Hakan Hayrettin says Maidstone are lucky to have Gavin Hoyte at the club.

The popular right-back scored his first goal of the season in the Stones’ 2-0 FA Trophy win against Poole on Saturday.

He remains one of the first names on the teamsheet at the Gallagher and Hayrettin was delighted to see him score.

It was a cracking finish, too, as the 30-year-old got himself in the box and fired home Justin Amaluzor’s lay-off.

“Hoytey’s consistently Steady Eddie isn’t he, you know what you’re going to get out of him,” said manager Hayrettin.

“I keep pushing him, he’s a great lad, a great leader, he’s played in the Football League, he played in the Premier League for Arsenal.

"Are we lucky to have him? Yes, we are.

“He’s a great personality and a great character. He’ll always be one of the players I turn to when I need him.”

Hoyte’s goal, and a second from Ibrahim Olutade, set up a third-round home tie against Frome.

That game is due to be played this week, with the winners at home to United’s National League rivals Dorking in the last 32.

Hayrettin, an FA Trophy winner as a player with Wycombe, retains great affection for the competition but progress comes at a price as the matches mount up at a busy time of year.

“I don’t know if it’s a good distraction to be honest right now with the fixture pile-up we’ve got,” said Hayrettin.

“It’s not looking as good as it should do but talking to my chief exec he’s telling me other teams are in a similar situation.”

• FA Trophy draw

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