Jay Saunders said Harry Phipps was brilliant after the 18-year-old scored on his full debut for Maidstone.

Phipps took Stuart Lewis’ place at Forest Green on Saturday and it was his strike that triggered United’s fightback from 2-0 down to draw.

He looked at home in midfield against a classy Rovers side and Stones boss Saunders said: “For an 18-year-old kid to come in and put in the performance he did, I’m delighted for him.

“He’s had to wait a little while since he came from Margate but he was brilliant in midfield and it’s a great goal for him.

“At that point you could see it rocked them a little bit and maybe brought us back into the game.”

Joe Pigott capped another hardworking display with the equaliser as Maidstone moved up to 13th place in the National League with two games left.

A point had looked unlikely as Rovers controlled the first half, with Lee Worgan kept busy.

Saunders said: “They’re a very good footballing side and you can see why they’re right up there.

“I think at our place they’re the best side we’ve faced this season and at times again today you could see what a top side they are.

“But we kept going, we’ve shown that character we’ve had for the last 13/14 games that’s got us into safety and it is a decent point.

“They start very well here, they move the ball very quickly and we struggled to get to grips with it to be honest.

“Once we got in at half-time and went through a few things with regards to not pressing in the wrong areas and being passed round, we were better.

“We asked them to a bit braver and better in possession. I thought every time we got the ball first half, we gave it back to them.”

Two-hundred-and-eighty Maidstone fans - a good number wearing Saunders masks - were in party mood in the final away game of the season.

The Stones boss paid tribute to United’s travelling support.

He said: “That was our last away game and I thought today they were outstanding and they have been all season, even when we were struggling.

“A big round of applause. It’s much appreciated by the boys.

“I know it’s not cheap to do in this league for them but today, again, you’d think they were the home support and full credit to them.

“Honestly, every ground I go to, every manager says to me how great they are and it’s unbelievable.

“Some of them were extremely good-looking today with their masks on!”

Read the match report from Maidstone's draw at Forest Green