Chelmsford City 0-1 Maidstone United: Manager Reaction

Maidstone United manager George Elokobi praised his raw young striker Levi Amantchi who became joint-top scorer in the National League south with his 11^th goal of the season which saw off National League South promotion rivals Chelmsford City last night.

6'4" Amantchi, a summer signing from Brackley Town, produced a moment of magic to slip his defender and fire home for his 18^th goal of the season in all competitions and move Maidstone up to second in the table.

However, the Stones’ star could have scored more. He passed up on a golden opportunity in the 2nd half. His manager acknowledged the forward’s weakness: "He is a humble young man still learning his trade, lots to improve still in his game.”

Chelmsford City's eight game unbeaten streak in the league came to an end tonight, with Robbie Simpson's side rueing a host of missed opportunities.

The Clarets manager said: "We need to start taking our chances because we had plenty today- we could have easily walked away with four goals."

Chelmsford’s inability to breach a strong Maidstone's defence means that they now possess the best defensive record in the league, conceding only 18 goals.

George Elokobi was a defender in his playing career, and it seems his experience playing in Premier League defences has rubbed off onto his team.

He insisted on the importance of a good defence: "We have tried to ensure that as a team we are hard to beat and defending starts from the front, our forward players understand where they need to be position wise," said Elokobi.

"Keeping clean sheets is a good habit, and if you do that you know when you've got proven goalscorers in your team then you've got a chance of taking maximum points," he added.