Maidstone United players have been toasting another promotion - this time for on-loan team-mate Alex Akrofi.

Striker Akrofi scored the first hat-trick of his career as Brentwood beat Thurrock 5-0 in the Ryman League Division 1 North play-off final on Sunday.

Stones team-mates were quick to congratulate Akrofi, who rejoined his old club on loan after the arrival of Billy Bricknell at the Gallagher Stadium.

Akrofi said: "Sometimes a player goes out on loan and gets forgotten about but it's not been like that at Maidstone.

"I had a really nice message from Steve Watt after the play-off final telling me to keep working hard and Frannie Collin as well and there's been a lot on Twitter.

"I've spoken to Frannie every week or every other week since going back to Brentwood.

"I've been kept in the whatsapp group as well, so I've been part of everything."

Akrofi made four starts and nine substitute appearances for Maidstone in the Ryman League Premier Division.

He has a year left on his deal and can't wait to see what Conference South has in store.

He said: "Honestly, I don't think I've even watched a game in that league, so I'm going to be learning as I go along.

"I'm looking forward to a new league and I just want to keep working hard and make an impression on people."