Maidstone United boosted their play-off hopes with a rampant 3-0 win over Hampton & Richmond on Non-League Day, cementing seventh position.

Despite a spirited start, Alan Julian’s side conceded a quickfire double through Tom Leahy and Aaron Blair, which gave them a mountain to climb in the second half.

George Elokobi’s men tightened their grip on proceedings after a second Blair goal, meaning the Stones left Beveree Stadium with all three points, while the Beavers dropped to 17th.

A staggering 1,266 supporters were in attendance to watch the National League South encounter, as non-league sides benefited from increased support due to the international break.

The Beavers started in positive fashion, with Ibrahim Jalloh showing off his silky footwork before supplying Rudy Allen, who headed harmlessly wide.

Early warning signs were there for the South West London outfit, as the Stones found themselves in behind on two occasions, only for the offside flag to intervene.

Sol Wanjau-Smith had an increased influence over the away side’s attacking play and fired his speculative effort wide of goal.

After a long period of possession, Elokobi’s men took the lead in the 34th minute as Ben Brookes’ pinpoint delivery was fired home from close range by Leahy.

The goal clearly knocked Hampton & Richmond’s confidence and on 37 minutes Maidstone doubled their lead through top scorer Blair.

After the break, the away side continued to threaten and Blair had his shot blocked before Wanjau-Smith’s effort was well-saved by Dyllan Berry.

In the 50th minute, the Stones made the Beavers pay after miscommunication between Jerry Wiltshire and Berry put Blair through for his second.

Julian made several changes which led to a temporary injection of energy as the home side notched their first shot on target through a long-range Zanda Siziba effort.

Elokobi utilised his strong bench, and Shaq Coulthirst made an immediate impact with his lethal cross well dealt with by the home side’s defence.

The Beavers were limited to chances. but it was not for the want of trying, with Bunmi Babajide almost finding himself through but for a last-ditch challenge from George Fowler.

Maidstone almost found a fourth as Blair wrestled with Dominic Revan to find an opening but fired wide before the referee blew for full-time.