Maidstone United returned to winning ways with victory against in form Welling United.

Neither side scored in the first forty-five minutes but goals from Iffy Allen and Zihni Temelci put the Stones in command. Anthony Cook gave Welling hope with a late penalty but Ayuk Tarh scored with the last kick of the game to wrap up the victory.

Philip Roberts had a header saved by Chris Lewington from Gavin McCallum’s cross early on before Maidstone thought they had gone ahead. Chiori Johnson turned Ross Marshall’s header into his own net but the Stones’ centre-back had strayed offside when meeting Dan Wishart’s free kick.

Max Watters was frustrated when he looked to be in on goal only for a free kick to be awarded for a foul on him before Diaz Wright came to Welling’s rescue when he cleared Marshall’s shot off the line.

Wright was then in attacking action when going on a long surging run but Lewington made himself big and blocked Wright’s shot with his boot.

At the other end, Dan Wilks saved from Saidou Khan before an acrobatic effort from Justin Amaluzar flew wide.

Watters sent in a low cross but Allen got it stuck under his feet and could only nudge it wide before Temelci fired over just before the break.

Lewington made the first save after the break when turning a Cook free kick around the post at full stretch before the Stones broke the deadlock. Amaluzar kept the ball in play and crossed for Allen in space and he tucked home from close range.

Khan had a shot blocked out by Wilks before Temelci was given space at the near post to fire home from Allen’s pass.

Adam Coombes got in behind for Welling but handled inadvertently before firing home and the strike was disallowed.

After Watters headed wide and Khan had a shot saved, Welling were given a glimmer of hope when Korrey Henry was clipped just inside the penalty area. Cook stepped up and converted confidently.

With four strikers already on the field of play, Welling also threw Rob Swaine forward and it almost paid off when he nodded on a long Wilks clearance but Coombes’ first time shot flew wide.

However, Maidstone took full advantage when Tarh burst clear and he finished superbly to ensure the three points that put the Stones back on track for the play-offs.

Maidstone United: Lewington, Hoyte, Wishart, Corne, Johnson, Marshall, Amaluzor, Temelici, Watters, Allen (Tarh 81), Khan

Subs not used: Cole, Kamdjo, Knight, Tingley.

Goalscorers: Allen (51), Temelci (69), Tarh (90+2)

Welling United: Wilks, Johnson (Henry 70), McCallum, Joseph, Swaine, Wright, James, Goldberg (Coombes 70), Akinyemi, Roberts (Rolt 80), Cook

Subs not used: Dymond, Agyemang

Goalscorers: Cook pen (88)

Referee: Paul Johnson

Attendance: 1,943