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Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin on the 1-1 draw at Hampton & Richmond

Hakan Hayrettin looked at the bigger picture after the disappointment of conceding late at Hampton.

Maidstone were on course for a fourth straight win after Roarie Deacon’s 76th-minute opener, set up by substitute Jermaine McGlashan soon after coming on.

Roarie Deacon gave Maidstone the lead at Hampton Picture: Steve Terrell
Roarie Deacon gave Maidstone the lead at Hampton Picture: Steve Terrell

The hosts levelled four minutes later through Ryan Gondoh but three wins and a draw represents a good start to the season for Hayrettin’s side.

“We go 1-0 up and we should have locked up shop - that’s the only disappointing thing,” said the Stones boss.

"If someone had said to me you’re going to play four games and be unbeaten I’d take that.

“We made the substitution at the right time again, Jermaine showed good pace, good pass and Roarie got in there and scored.

"We should have done a little bit better towards the end, but take nothing away from my players, they’ve been fantastic so far and they were a credit again today.

"We just couldn’t see the game out when we should have.

“Going 1-0 up we should be professional enough to do the job and I think we have to look at that and have a go at trying to analyse what happened because all I remember is both my centre-backs being outside the box, the ball coming in, Raphe Brown should be scanning where his man is.

“But, look, I’m picking at the moment because I wanted all three points but we showed good character to come to a place like this and not lose.

“Last time I was here we conceded in the 90th-plus minute and we lost the game but I’m happy, we’re in good form, we haven’t lost, the squad’s healthy and there’s unity in there and that’s the most pleasing thing for me.”

Christie Pattisson could have won it for Maidstone in the last five minutes but fired over when well-placed.

Hayrettin said: “He’s got to learn from that, he’s got to pick himself up, but maybe that’s why he’s not a regular at the moment and he needs to realise that when you get these chances you’ve got to take them.”

McGlashan looked bright coming off the bench, just as he did against Billericay on Saturday.

Hayrettin has been impressed by the former Gillingham man who, at 33, is still lightning-quick.

He said: “He’s a good player, a really good player.

"He’s got bundles of enthusiasm for the game, he doesn’t look his age, he’s given us a different dimension.

“Tushaun Walters got Covid then he got tonsillitis and struggled to get back in, it’s one of those things.”

Read more: The latest sports news in Kent

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