Second-half goals from Jay May and Alex Flisher gave Maidstone victory over VCD Athletic at the Gallagher Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The visitors put up a decent fight in a quiet first half and should have gone in front after the break.

But Maidstone were dominant once May opened the scoring just before the hour and claimed the win that keeps them seven points behind Ryman League Premier Division leaders Margate with four games in hand.

Alex Akrofi showed early promise with a couple of lively runs down the left.

He was involved in Stones' best chance of the first half on 10 minutes, his blocked cross falling for Frannie Collin whose fierce strike was saved by Nick Blue.

Tom Mills might have done better from a James Rogers knockdown while May had a penalty appeal turned down following a challenge by Nick Reeves.

Largely, though, it was hard going against a VCD team who got men behind the ball and were a threat on the break.

A couple of times the visitors got in good areas but couldn't take advantage, Rogers proving enough of a nuisance to stop Lea Dawson getting a clean strike on goal when played in by Michael Power.

Matt Bodkin worked Blue after a one-two with May early in the second half.

But seconds later there was a let-off for Stones when Power hit the post and somehow put the rebound over with the goal gaping.

It was the start of a lively spell which led to United going in front with May meeting Jack Parkinson's far-post cross after 59 minutes.

May saw a 20-yard strike held while desperate defending denied Bodkin as Stones looked for a second.

Substitute Flisher (pictured) offered United an extra spark, setting up Bodkin for a shot on the turn that was well held by Blue.

Stones looked in control but needed the cushion of another goal which arrived on 78 minutes when Parkinson played in Flisher who continued his run and fired across Blue into the far corner.

VCD defender Grant Basey took over in goal for the last seven minutes following an injury to Blue.

Alex Brown missed the chance to test him from a free-kick, then dragged another strike wide with his left foot after a decent run.

Maidstone: Worgan, Starkey, Mills, Coyle, Miles, Rogers (Jordan 79mins) Parkinson, May, Collin (Flisher 62mins), Akrofi (Brown 67mins). Subs not used: Davies, Godmon.

Attendance: 1,903