Fabio Saraiva helped himself to a hat-trick as, with Wealdstone’s game at East Thurrock postponed, Maidstone hit the top spot of the Ryman Premier League on Tuesday night.

Lining up in a 4-4-2 formation The Stones saw the return to the starting XI of Jerome Sobers at the back with Michael Phillips returning on the bench.

In a first half where The Stones were the stronger side they took the lead on 6mins through captain Frannie Collin. A quick, long throw down the left squared by Alex Flisher saw Collin 8yds out who struck into the back of the net.

On 18mins The Stones deservedly extended their lead with a goal from Fabio Saraiva.

Another long throw down the left hand side had Flisher run to the by-line, pulling it back to Saraiva on the edge of the 6yd box who flicked it over the goalkeeper.

Within 2mins Wingate & Finchley were forced into a change with Ola Sogmanbu coming on to make his debut for the home side.

On 31mins, 10mins after coming on, Sogmanbu pulled Wingate & Finchley back into it at 2-1 with a low strike from the edge of the box into Worgan’s bottom right hand corner.

The Stones pressed for the remainder of the half causing problems at corners with Attwood and Collin going close on more than one occasion, going in at half time 2-1 up.

Wingate & Finchley came out in the 2nd and pulled level on 47 mins – Debutant Sogmanbu getting his 2nd.

The equaliser invigorated the home side who pressed The Stones although Worgan was rarely tested however after the hour mark Maidstone took back control and took the lead on 64mins. A long ball into the box controlled chest high by Collin, passing it to the onrushing Saraiva who struck low from the edge of the box into the back of the net.

On 84mins The Stones made the points safe. Saraiva surged into the box and was fouled, the penalty awarded without complaint. Saraiva took the ball and calmly placed the ball into the goalkeepers bottom right hand corner, sending him the wrong way in front of the away support behind the goal.

So Fabio Saraiva took home the match-ball and post match Stones boss Jay Saunders revealed at the beginning of the month the hat-trick hero was close to being sent on loan to previous club Merstham but due to an injury to Nathan Campbell Saunders had a change of heart – What better way to respond than a goal last weekend followed by a hat-trick 3 days later.

Saunders disappointed with the manner of the goals conceded was pleased how his side kept the ball and how his side dug in to show character – To get pulled back to 2- 2 from 2-0 up yet push on and take the game on, coming away with the 3pts.

Saunders is wary being top of the table is great, especially as a newly promoted side, but it is still early days with plenty of games to play in what is an open league with no doubt many twists and turns still to come.

Maidstone welcome Met Police to The Gallagher Stadium this Saturday

Maidstone: Worgan, D. Parkinson, Mills, Sobers (Robertson, 84), Andrews, Saraiva, Hill (Harris, 86), J.Parkinson, Attwood, Collin (Capt) (Phillips, 80), Flisher

Unused Subs: Sullivan, Mitten

Referee: J Richardson

Assistants: A Gray & A Anastasiou

Att: 197

Stones MOTM: Fabio Saraiva