Jay Saunders hailed Maidstone fans for their backing in Saturday’s 3-2 win at Torquay.

Two-hundred-and-eighty Stones supporters made the four-hour trip to Devon and didn’t stop singing.

Players and management were quick to show their appreciation after so many took on the 200-mile journey to the Gulls’ excellent Plainmoor ground.

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Manager Saunders said: “You’re walking out at places like this today and I thought the supporters were unbelievable.

“It’s just fantastic and I think everyone’s enjoying it.

“It’s amazing, honestly. They were brilliant at the end there and that’s why we made sure we stayed out and gave them a good round of applause because they deserve it.”

Striker Yemi Odubade scored twice on his first start as United switched to 4-3-3 for the first time this season.

The change in system worked a treat with Odubade excelling in the front three - and he’ll get even better as his match fitness improves.

Saunders said: “I’m pleased with him. He’s got great movement.

“His movement was very good today, he’s got that experience.

“He’s not as sharp as he can be. Obviously he hasn’t played for a few weeks at Eastleigh so there’s still more to come from him but it’s not a bad debut, is it?”

Stones led 2-0 and 3-1 at Plaimoor - Liam Enver-Marum with their other goal - but couldn’t quite shake off Torquay.

It was Saunders’ only issue on an afternoon that saw his side climb to 11th in the National League.

He said: “It’s just a bit disappointing for me that we come away, score three goals and we’re still in a game really.

“I think we should have been a bit more comfortable, we just switched off twice defensively and it’s cost us.

“For the neutral I’m sure it was brilliant but, do you know what, we’ve come here and gone for it.

“We’ve gone three up front, we’ve been a bit bold - we worked on it on Thursday - and when your forwards score the goals it’s good.

“It’s a long trip here, we had a 10-minute break, it’s difficult when you’re playing full-time teams like this but we’ve dug deep and got the three points.”

Read the match report from Maidstone's 3-2 win at Torquay