Craig Fagan was delighted to reward Maidstone fans with a home win - and a performance to match.

The Stones went four points clear at the top of National League South after beating Maidenhead 2-1.

But with only two of their seven wins before Saturday’s success coming at the Gallagher Stadium, the home form had been frustrating for boss Fagan and his players.

They were determined to address it, and goals from Leone Gravata and Taylor Foran secured the points and a first win in front of their own crowd since beating Weston on September 5.

“We mentioned before the game, we haven't really played since probably the first or second home game with the intensity the fans deserve,” said Fagan.

“But I think it was better today. And, yes, the home form hasn't been good enough.

“In terms of the points, it was near enough double away from home, so that's added to the tally.

“We need to get better. We need to make this place somewhere people fear coming and playing, because they know it's going to be a test in the way that we do things, the way we play our front-foot football.

“I'm happy with the three points. Everything I asked of the players, myself and Rob (Tuvey, assistant manager), they've done, apart from the clean sheet.”

Maidstone scored in the fourth minute of either half as Gravata and Foran opened up a two-goal lead.

Josh Coley pulled one back for a physical Maidenhead side but United saw out the game impressively.

“I thought we were good from the get-go, if I'm honest,” said Fagan. “I’m obviously disappointed in conceding the goal but I said it was going to be a tough test.

“They're a team I think should be higher in the league.

“They've been unfortunate with injuries and some of the results they've been on the end of.

“They'll be up there at the end of the season, so that's a big win in terms of the way we went about it.

“I thought we matched them. Yes, we want to play football at times, but if they're marking our men tight, like I've said before, we've got runners that can go in behind and cause a threat.”

Gravata, who returned from an ankle injury at Horsham last week, set Maidstone on their way with a lovely finish from the tireless Ken Charles’ flick, but lasted just over half an hour before breaking down.

“He didn't feel like he was at his best last week, but he gave enough to help the team,” said Fagan. “And one question he asked was, what more can I do?

“The wide players don’t always have to score or assist but if they're putting four crosses in and it's flashing across the goal, in our minds, he's doing the right thing.

“So I'm pleased for him but gutted that he's got injured again. Hopefully, it’s not a massive one.”

Fagan had asked for more goals from his defenders at set-pieces, and Foran delivered with a clever flick from a Riley Court corner.

It looked a difficult finish for a striker, never mind a centre-half, but the big man, who celebrated his 23rd birthday on Wednesday, showed what he can do.

“I’ve been on the defenders’ case,” said Fagan. “They needed to do something. They hadn't scored enough. It was a good finish, a clever finish.

“I’m pleased for Taylor. People forget, because he played all last season, that he’s still one of the youngest players.

“It’s a young group, so we’re going to have ups and downs, performances where we play well one week and not so well the next.

“But that was a better, 90-minute performance compared to what we had the previous week.”

Ebbsfleet are now Maidstone’s nearest rivals after thumping Weston-super-Mare 6-1.

They’ll cut the gap to a point if they beat Horsham at home on Tuesday but, for now at least, United are four clear.

“I know where we are but I’m not getting carried away,” said Fagan. “This league is ruthless. You need as many points on the board as possible, as early as possible.”