George Elokobi described Maidstone’s draw with Tonbridge as a “really good local derby”.

Aaron Blair scored his 20th goal of the season as United took the lead at the Gallagher Stadium on Easter Monday.

But they were denied a 24th clean sheet of the season - which would have been a new National League South record - when Ethan Sutcliffe levelled in the second half.

Stones boss Elokobi didn’t know it at the time, given the early kick-off, but the point effectively secured a play-off place with a game to spare.

They ended the day three points clear of Weston, who lost to title-chasing Truro, but with a vastly superior goal difference.

“It was a tough game, two good teams going at it, but credit to Tonbridge, they made it a really good local derby,” said Elokobi.

“I’ve got to talk about how proud I am of our players.

“I thought their attitude and approach were very positive throughout but we have to polish up how we conceded the goal we did because that’s unlike us.

“But the overall game, the squad has been pushing and today was another point towards our objective.”

Tonbridge grew into the game after falling behind and sent their fans home happy with Sutcliffe’s goal following a long throw midway through the second half.

Elokobi said: “It was down to us to keep a clean sheet but you can’t keep a clean sheet every single game.

“We’ve kept 23 this season, so credit to the players.

Report: Maidstone 1-1 Tonbridge

“Tonbridge made it hard for us and it was down to us, we had chances to put the game to bed but at least we got in those areas where we thought could hurt them.

“It was just about making sure we were nice and composed in front of goal but that wasn’t to be today, so we take a point and move on.

“We just wanted to be competitive throughout the season and today, game 45, we’ve been competitive.

“I said this from day one, it’s going to be a tougher league and it was important we concentrate on ourselves and we’ve done that.

“We’ve had challenges, up to this very game, where we’re missing key players and the squad keeps stepping in and making sure they’re doing what’s necessary to try and win three points or one point for Maidstone.

“We expected it to be tough all the way through.

“There were lots of good teams in this league and the league is becoming more athletic, more structured in terms of how teams set up. We know that.

“We started the season off like we did but we picked up momentum and it was about staying consistent throughout the season and our group of players have been terrific in doing so.”

Maidstone held their end-of-season presentation after the game before showing their appreciation to fans with a lap of the pitch.

George Fowler, who’s extended his stay with a new deal, was named supporters’ and manager’s player-of-the-year, while fellow defender Temi Eweka won the players’ player vote.

Elokobi and his team remained on the pitch long after full-time as supporters waited for pictures and autographs.

“They’ve been magnificent throughout,” said Elokobi.

“They’ve come out in their numbers.

“We’d have loved to have had three points to send them off extremely happy but I doth my hat to them.

“You can’t help as a manager but admire the support of the Maidstone United fans and community as a whole.

“We wanted to make sure we give them something to cheer and hold on to this season, to carry on being competitive in every single game, and our players have done just that.”