Manager George Elokobi has been impressed by Maidstone’s willingness to listen and learn.

The attitude of United’s new squad has played a big role in their unbeaten start to the National League South season.

They made it five games without defeat courtesy of a goalless draw against big-spending Chelmsford on Bank Holiday Monday.

Maidstone look to continue their good start at Worthing this Saturday (3pm) and they visit Weston-super-Mare on Tuesday (7.45pm).

“It’s about the work we do at the training ground to make sure we analyse and respect our opposition,” said Elokobi.

“We look at countering their strengths but also try to expose their limitations.

“The players, they’ve been taking it in like a sponge in terms of retaining information and trying to carry it out on the pitch.

“Let’s not forget, players are all human beings.

“It’s about their approach, the respect and openness from day one, and how we do things at Maidstone United Football Club.

“It’s not about the individual, it’s about the team unit and then the individual, and it’s important they understand it.

“They began to understand it from day one and they trust us more in terms of how we do things.

“It’s not personal if we don’t start a player or we bring them off, it’s important they understand that we’re doing it for a tactical reason.

“We’re doing it to try and get maximum points or we’re doing it to not get beat or not concede a goal.

“They’ve understood this from day one.

“We appreciate the work each individual is doing and collectively as a group.

“They’re an honest group and they enjoy each other’s company.”

The Worthing game sees Maidstone return to the scene of last season’s 2-0 play-off eliminator victory.

Ben Brookes scored both goals from the penalty spot that night but he’s since departed along with most of the squad that went so close to promotion.

Just four players remain - Sam Corne, George Fowler, Riley Court and No.2 keeper Lenny Holden - but a return to Woodside Road is bound to stir happy memories for travelling fans.

“We take the context of the game and treat every game with respect,” said Elokobi.

“Yes, it’s always been a good occasion between us and Worthing but the past is the past.

“The boys need to recover and we’ll be ready to reinforce the positives and also try to work on our limitations.”

Maidstone named an unchanged side against Chelmsford after winning 1-0 at AFC Totton 48 hours earlier.

Elokobi used the bench well in both games, however, and will consider his options at Worthing.

“We’ve got to make sure we look after the way we’re playing in terms of looking at what the game needs and looking at the personnel we’ve got,” said the manager.

“We have to make sure we manage the individuals right so we have a group that is growing and progressing in terms of understanding the game, technically and tactically, and also getting fitter and stronger.

“It’s important we utilise the squad well. You’ve seen it again against Chelmsford.

“Lexus Beeden has got a bit tired and rightly so, he should be because he’s been outstanding since he walked into this club, and David Agbontohoma has come on and not put a foot wrong.

“The same with Leo Hamblin, a little bit tired, but not a problem, we’ve got Sam Oguntayo who’s come on and done a job, and also Jesse Nwabueze, Josh Redfearn and Riley Court.

“So it’s about utilising the squad and making sure we trust the players and allow them to go out and be part of it and enjoy themselves.”