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Maidstone United manager George Elokobi on Shaq Coulthirst’s hat-trick in 4-0 National League South victory over Enfield Town

George Elokobi praised Shaq Coulthirst’s patience after the striker scored a hat-trick in Maidstone’s big home win over Enfield.

Coulthirst struck three times in 13 minutes to complete a 4-0 win as United went second in National League South on Saturday.

Shaq Coulthirst kisses the match ball after his 13-minute hat-trick at the Gallagher Stadium. Picture: Helen Cooper
Shaq Coulthirst kisses the match ball after his 13-minute hat-trick at the Gallagher Stadium. Picture: Helen Cooper

His only previous league goal came against Chesham in September.

He’s operated mainly from the bench since joining from Ebbsfleet last summer and was once again named among the substitutes against Enfield.

But he got his chance midway through the second half after Sol Wanjau-Smith went off injured and made it count as United chalked up a seventh successive win.

“It’s what you do behind closed doors when you’re not being selected,” said Stones boss Elokobi.

“He’s been ever-patient.

Maidstone striker Shaq Coulthirst is all smiles bagging the match ball following his hat-trick. Picture: Steve Terrell
Maidstone striker Shaq Coulthirst is all smiles bagging the match ball following his hat-trick. Picture: Steve Terrell

“I know his qualities, hence why I brought him to the club, to make sure he can score goals like that.

“In the 18-yard box he’s deadly, I know that, but he had to be patient because the other forwards were doing well ahead of him.

Report: Maidstone 4-0 Enfield

“When a player does right in training, you want him to have moments like this because it doesn’t just happen, he’s the first one to stay out, do the extras that we push him to and he wants to as well.

“It was a deserved hat-trick and hopefully there’s more to come from Shaq Coulthirst.”

Ben Brookes, centre, with Sam Corne, Aaron Blair and Tayt Trusty after opening the scoring from the penalty spot in Maidstone's 4-0 win over Enfield. Picture: Steve Terrell
Ben Brookes, centre, with Sam Corne, Aaron Blair and Tayt Trusty after opening the scoring from the penalty spot in Maidstone's 4-0 win over Enfield. Picture: Steve Terrell

Maidstone took advantage of Boreham Wood’s postponement to move up a place in the table.

They remain two points behind Torquay, however, after the leaders beat Welling 3-1 at Plainmoor.

Elokobi’s men had to work hard for their win over relegation battlers Enfield, who set their stall out to frustrate.

The visitors undid their good work with a silly handball from a free-kick giving Ben Brookes the chance to put the Stones in front with a well-taken penalty.

Goalscorer Shaq Coulthirst with Aaron Blair after Maidstone take a 3-0 lead against Enfield. Picture: Helen Cooper
Goalscorer Shaq Coulthirst with Aaron Blair after Maidstone take a 3-0 lead against Enfield. Picture: Helen Cooper

And Coulthirst took the game away from them with his quickfire hat-trick in the closing stages.

Elokobi, whose side extended their unbeaten run to 18 games, said: “We knew they were going to come here and sit in a mid-low block and it was up to us to find a way to break them down.

“We’ve been working on penetrating in terms of having runs with purpose but more importantly it was for us to stay calm in the final third and switch play to get them moving.

“It was important we stayed patient and composed.

Stones keeper Alexis Andre Jr joins the celebrations after Shaq Coulthirst completes his hat-trick. Picture: Steve Terrell
Stones keeper Alexis Andre Jr joins the celebrations after Shaq Coulthirst completes his hat-trick. Picture: Steve Terrell

“Yes, we got the goal in the first half but we knew they were going to sit deep and make things difficult for us and try to catch us on the counter.

“We’ve worked throughout the week and we knew the moments would come where the game would open up as they begin to tire and our players executed a fantastic game plan.”

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