How to win the National League South play-offs

Maidstone striker Aaron Blair knows what it takes to win at Worthing in the National League South play-offs - he did it last season. Blair scored and was named man-of-the-match as underdogs Braintree won a seven-goal final thriller at Woodside Road to reach the National League. His emotions were in stark contrast to those of Maidstone a week earlier, his future employers having suffered late disappointment in a 2-1 semi-final defeat by the Rebels.

The clubs meet again on Wednesday night, this time in a play-off eliminator, with the winners travelling to Eastbourne Borough in the semi-finals on Sunday. So, what does it take to win the play-offs? “I think it’s just about being together and being willing to run for your mate,” said Blair, whose brilliant goal in the final made it 2-2. “It’s about team cohesion and just grinding out results.



“Defensively, we’re solid. We’re very, very good defensively and that’s a good foundation to build on going into the play-offs.” Braintree claimed 1-0 and 3-2 extra-time wins over Bath and Chelmsford respectively before their 4-3 victory at Worthing.

They’d finished fifth in the table, a place behind Maidstone, and were unfancied going into the play-offs. The Essex club showed what’s possible, however, and have all but clinched safety in the National League this season. “Coming into the games, it was a bit nerve-racking at first because the year before I played and we lost the first game,” said Blair.

“I remember I felt a bit nervous but as soon you start growing into it, it felt good. “Going into that second game, when you feel the atmosphere, and I know there’s going to be a good atmosphere on Wednesday, you just embrace it and work hard. “I think that’s the biggest thing, just working hard.

If everyone does it, we’ll be all right. "The final was a good memory that stays in my head and also I got player-of-the-match. “That was another accolade to have but it was all about the team and, as we won that 4-3, I think that’s my favourite memory in football.

“Hopefully we can go up and it will top that.” Blair sees similarities between Maidstone and that promotion-winning Iron team. “I think we’re quite similar, with the work ethic and everything,” he said.

“We’re on par with each other but seeing these boys every day, the team cohesion here I think is even better.” Blair can look back on an excellent first season with Maidstone - however it finishes. He hit the 20-goal mark by scoring United’s second equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Farnborough on Saturday.

He’d previously been credited with reaching the milestone as the Stones drew 1-1 with local rivals Tonbridge on Easter Monday but admitted it was Ruben Shakpoke’s goal. The striker wasn’t to be denied at Farnborough, however, as George Elokobi’s side earned a point on the final day of the regular National League South campaign. “I’m very happy with 20 goals,” he said.

“Before the game, the gaffer said coming up near the end, if I wanted to have a bit of a rest, I could come off. “But at half-time he said I was going to get another goal, so it was just a case of believing. “As soon as I got it, was happy.

“I wanted to get 25 but hopefully there’s still another three games to get five goals, and I need one more assist to get double figures.” As well as his goals, Blair quickly became a crowd favourite at Maidstone for his tireless work rate. He’ll run all day to help his team-mates.

“I think it just comes from the team spirit,” said Blair. “When I know that I’m working hard for someone, I know we’re going to get rewards. “This is a team I put my values with.

“I’ve made a lot of friends here, so I’m willing to run for someone else because we see each other every single day. “I’m more than happy to run even more for someone and do someone else’s job.” Blair’s had the fitness to match his desire.

He couldn’t cover the ground he does without that. “To be fair, I don’t really feel tired after games,” said the former Dagenham man. “I felt a bit tired after Farnborough but every other game I haven’t felt too bad.

“I get my recovery in, to be fair, which helps. “I was talking to Ben Brookes about this, and it must be natural fitness. “Going all the way back to pre-season, in the running, I was near the front, just at the back of the top group.

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