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Maidstone United midfielder Joe Healy on his derby winner at Ebbsfleet after flying home from Hong Kong

Maidstone midfielder Joe Healy felt fresher after a 12,000-mile round trip to Hong Kong than he would have done training.

Healy, whose goal gave United a 1-0 win at Ebbsfleet on Saturday, missed derby preparations as he was away all week on business.

Boss Jay Saunders considered resting Healy before naming him in an unchanged side as Maidstone ended Fleet's unbeaten start to the season.

Maidstone goalscorer Joe Healy in action at Ebbsfleet Picture Andy Payton
Maidstone goalscorer Joe Healy in action at Ebbsfleet Picture Andy Payton

Healy, a city banker, said: "I was working out in Hong Kong.

"They were a little bit short there so I went for five days and got back on Friday.

"I felt fine. I'm used to long hours at work.

"Not training in the week, I felt a bit fresher than I usually do.

"We’d obviously won the last four games so I wasn’t too surprised when Jay kept the same team and the same shape.

"I would have understood if he'd rested me but it was nice to play."

Healy swooped to head home Bobby-Joe Taylor's 56th-minute free-kick in front of 700 travelling fans at Stonebridge Road as United moved up to fifth place in National League South.

He said: "I saw it quite late. I managed to stay onside and I think Manny Parry went up for a header in front of me, it crept over him and I’ve just put anything on it to get it goalwards.

"Fortunately it went in. I was quite low down by the time I headed it but put anything on it and you’ve got a chance.

"It was great to get a goal in front of the fans as well."

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