Maynard: “The fans were incredible”

Stuart Maynard said he was "on cloud nine" after masterminding the league double over rivals Barnet on a day that will live long in the memory of the packed away end.

More than 800 Stones fans made the trip to The Hive for the National League clash and were treated to the most complete performance of the season as the boys in blue and white ran out 3-1 winners thanks to goals from Nathan Ferguson, Josh Umerah and Jaydn Mundle-Smith. It could have been more.

"We are on cloud nine," said the manager. "I"m speechless really as the atmosphere was incredible. The fans were incredible and didn't stop singing from minute one. They drive the lads on. That win, that performance and the result was everyone: the fans, the directors, Rory [Fitzgerald] the chairman, Dom [Whyley, Vice chairman], Fingers, the club secretary and all the people behind the scenes you don't see. There are so many people to thank it's ridiculous, so many who put in so many hours to make it work. It's a great moment for the club. I'm delighted for everyone."

The scenes at full-time showed the unity and rapport between fans and players and just how much this meant to everyone associated with the club.

"It was like a home game." said Maynard. "If this was our game, we would have filled this place. We've got a great following and it's great we can give them memories like this. To do the double over your local rivals, who have these sort of facilities who should be fighting to get in the playoffs, is an incredible achievement."

The win lifted the Stones up to 16th, above Barnet, and they are now closer to tenth spot than they are from the third bottom spot.

"We've got a points target in mind and we've just got to keep picking up points," said Maynard. "I don't think we've ever been in bad form. Teams lose seven or right on the bounce. We went five without a win and that's not that bad in this league. We've gone under the radar all season. We've slowly ticked along and kept picking up points. Now we've just got to focus on Maidenhead on Tuesday night."