Maidstone manager George Elokobi was thrilled for Lamar Reynolds after the substitute’s late hat-trick at Eastbourne.

Reynolds scored in the 85th, 90th and 93rd minutes as Maidstone won 5-1 on Good Friday.

Victory saw fourth-placed United open a seven-point gap over the chasing pack outside the play-offs.

The Stones were leading 2-1 against Eastbourne’s nine men - Sam Corne opening the scoring from the penalty spot and Matt Rush restoring their advantage - before Reynolds took centre stage.

A thumping first-time finish, a cracking long-range strike and a penalty that went in off the underside of the bar made up the forward’s eight-minute hat-trick.

“We know what Lamar brings,” said Elokobi.

“We know when he’s starting and also we know when he’s coming off the bench he gives us that impact we want.

“We’ve seen it in bundles but again it’s the quality in and around the final third to make sure when you’re striking the ball, can you hit it cleanly, can you hit the target?

“There were some super finishes from him, to be honest. He deserves his hat-trick today.

“I’m delighted for Lamar but also big respect to Sam Corne because he’s the designated penalty taker and he’s handed the ball over to Lamar (to complete his hat-trick).”

Eastbourne, fighting for survival, had Sam Beard sent off at a goal down after picking up two yellow cards.

They levelled through a Pierce Bird wonder strike but when he became the second home player to be dismissed, it was a matter of time before Maidstone wore them down.

“Obviously it’s about managing the game,” said Elokobi.

“It’s about making sure our discipline, in possession and out of possession, is really good and I thought our organisation was good.

Report: Eastbourne 1-5 Maidstone

“I’ve got to take my hat off to their goal, it’s one of the best goals I’ve seen, to be honest.

“Congratulations to the lad for hitting it that well but it’s about making sure we carry on being patient and switch play, especially when they’ve gone down to 10 men.

“It’s making sure we keep finding our plus-one, which is important, we find our wide players at the right times and see how we can capitalise.

“We knew when the game wore on we were going to have more chances, spaces were going to open and there’s plenty of pockets of spaces for our players to come into, but we also had to keep our width.”

Maidstone host rejuvenated Welling at the Gallagher Stadium on Easter Monday (3pm).

The Wings, whose side includes ex-Stones favourite Joe Ellul, have climbed out of the relegation zone and seven points clear of danger under new boss Rod Stringer.

The teams drew 0-0 at Park View Road in October.

“They’re a very good side,” said Elokobi.

“We played them at their place and it was a very good game in my opinion so we have to respect where they are in the league but also the change of management.

“There’s been some good adjustments and we have to be very mindful.”