Matt Bodkin has told how a new care-free approach led to the first hat-trick of his career.

Bodkin’s treble helped Maidstone to a 6-2 FA Cup victory over South Park at the weekend, with the draw for the third qualifying round to be made on Monday lunchtime.

The winger has been flying since regaining his place in the side, helping United climb to sixth place in National League South on the back of three wins in a row.

And he took his league form into the cup as Jay Saunders’ men came from 2-1 down to beat Ryman League opponents Park at the weekend.

Bodkin, 32, said: “At the start of the season maybe there was a little bit of apprehension in the team about being in a new league and maybe too much respect given to some teams. I could probably say I was guilty of it myself at times.

“I’ve hit the nail on the head with ‘why are you bothered? Just go out and play a game of football, be brave, be attacking.’ That’s what I was here for in the first place.

“That was it, it’s just come together. I’ve done quite well in the last few games. I’ve had a couple of assists here and there, too, so I’m quite happy with the way things are going."

Bodkin made it 2-2 with a volley from Bobby-Joe Taylor’s cross and completed his hat-trick courtesy of tap-ins from Alex Osborn and Alex Flisher passes.

He added: “This is my first hat-trick, so it’s a nice day. It feels weird because it doesn’t usually happen.

“I’m usually happy just to get one, so three’s a bit of a bonus.

“I can’t really describe the feeling when the third went in.

"It was a little bit disbelief that it had actually happened and almost looking round to see if the referee was going to blow his whistle to cancel it out or something like that."