Manager George Elokobi has revealed Maidstone had already planned to make substitutions before they fell behind in their home National League South draw against Dorking Wanderers on Tuesday night.

With forwards Tom Leahy and Sol Wanjau-Smith ready to enter the fray, the Stones fell behind at the Gallagher Stadium just after the hour mark when Alfie Rutherford poked home after James Muitt had got the ball past goalkeeper Alexis Andre Jr.

But play-off chasing United responded well against their title-chasing visitors to level towards the end of normal time through 20-year-old Millwall loanee Leahy as the hosts’ substitutes made a massive impact in the 1-1 stalemate.

“We played on a tough pitch on Saturday so I had to freshen the team up,” said Elokobi, whose side had played out a goalless draw at Hornchurch last weekend. “But all the players understand their roles and responsibilities in this team.

“It’s important we look at the squad and we look at managing the loading because the games come thick and fast. So, we have to manage players at this stage of the season to make sure all our key players are fresh and they’re not going into any games with any niggles that can lead to long-term injuries.

“It was important the players who started the game played their part. They understood their roles and responsibilities, and gave everything.

“To be honest, I was a little bit disappointed because, just before they scored their goal, we were just waiting for the ball to go out because the subs were coming on, anyway.

Report: Maidstone 1-1 Dorking

“We had them prepared, they were standing and waiting, and then we’ve conceded a goal.

“The ones that were coming on knew what they needed to do. They needed to impact the game in a positive way.

“But credit to the squad and everyone that was involved.”

There was still some six minutes of stoppage time to play following Leahy’s leveller and, while the momentum was firmly with Maidstone, a winning goal was not forthcoming.

Elokobi reflected: “Credit to our group of players for their reaction after going a goal down against a fantastic side in Dorking.

“It was important that we played the game our way - and I thought we deserved more. I think we edged it in terms of final-third entries and in terms of pushing Dorking all the way and, in the end, there was only one team that really looked like they wanted to win the game.

“It is important we look at how we conceded a goal but, more importantly, I’m quite pleased with the reaction, going a goal down. The players’ heads didn’t drop.

“I think it spurred us on even more to create more chances and to try and get a goal back for our football club.

“In the end, I think a point isn’t a bad point at this stage of the season against a very good side.”

The game had been a hotly-anticipated one as both sides showed why they’re in the promotion picture.

“When you’re playing against a Marc White side, you know what you’re going to get,” said Elokobi, whose side sit seventh.

“They’ve been together for quite a few seasons now. They have got a set way of playing and it was important we prepared right for that.

“But also, we needed to nullify their strengths and then impose our strengths onto them. I saw that in bundles from our group of players in terms of some of the patterns that we have been working on. We got a deserved goal from one of those patterns, exposing the wide areas and creating a one-versus-one duel again.

“Then, it’s about how our winger wants to deliver for his team-mate and the opposite player, coming in to get a goal, putting their defender under such immense pressure. I thought we were going to go on and get the second goal.

“That wasn’t to be but, hopefully, we can take the 90-minute performance into Saturday.”

A crowd of 2,395, including 267 Dorking fans, created a super atmosphere for the match.

Elokobi said: “Our supporters were electric. We were really grateful for their support, as always.

“It’s always important we try to give them something to cheer about and I thought we played the game in the right way. I thought we played with the right intensity and in the Maidstone way.

“Dorking played their part. Their supporters came in their numbers, as well, so thank you to them for coming in and making it a great atmosphere. It was a game played in good spirits.

“Both teams wanted to get three points for their clubs and, at the end of the day, we had to share the spoils.

“We have to look at it as a valuable point towards our points tally for the season.”

The Stones welcome mid-table Chippenham to the Gallagher Stadium this weekend, having been held to a goalless draw in late August by them in Wiltshire.