Worthing’s wait goes on: How defeat at Maidstone took title race to the wire

But thel hosts stepped up their game to win a thrilling and pulsating encounter 2-1 – which means the title race goes to what will be a nerve-shredding final day on Saturday.

Entertainment values were off the charts as the Rebels played like champions for 30 minutes while Maidstone said goodbye to their outgoing manager George Elokobi with an hour of robust magic.

The North Stand erupted on 69 minutes as a Hamzad Kargbo deflection at a free-kick gave Stones a 2-1 lead that they held to the end.

Worthing were bright and looked on course in the early stages. Indeed, they forced two early corners which were delivered with pace and purpose. Worthing continued to press and on 13 minutes scored a beautiful opening goal to send 665 Rebel fans into raptures.

Razz Coleman De Graft forged forward and cut inside. His accurate pass found Wiktor Mahowski, who picked his spot from 18 yards – the goalkeeper had no chance.

The visitors continued to press for a much-needed second and on 24 minutes Teddy Jenks put in a great ball which Mahowski couldn’t quite get on to.

Buoyed on by an emotional home crowd Maidstone then owned the remainder of the half. The Rebels were pegged back by a series of corners and free kicks into the box.

On 30 minutes a well-directed corner was allowed to drop in the box where TJ Bramble was on hand to thrash home the equaliser.

The half-time whistle came as a welcome relief to Worthing as they had been under siege. Manager Adam Hinshelwood strode in looking composed but intent.

He obviously had words as the Rebels played their best football after the break. A brilliant delivery on 50 minutes found Cook on the six-yard line. But his header saved by the Stones keeper.

On 51 minutes Remiero Moulton struck a fierce shot just past the post. Then on 53 Stones keeper Lenny Holden earned his MmM award with a world-class save when Coleman De Graft hit the perfect volley from long range which was destined for the top corner, Holden flying to his right to make a brilliant one-handed parry to safety.

It was the turning point of the afternoon. Worthing couldn’t quite make their dominance pay as Stones got back into the match. They forged forward on 69 minutes and were awarded a dangerous free kick on the edge of the box. The hosts who received a slice of luck as a weak kick somehow deflected off Kargbo’s backside to wrongfoot Taylor Seymour in the Worthing goal.

Holden’s MoM claim was rubber-stamped with back-to-back saves as Worthing rallied. But it was George’s and Maidstone’s afternoon as most of the 3,338 crowd stayed on to watch on-pitch presentations.

A disappointed Hinshelwood said later: “After creating that many chances you have to take them. Then we gave away two uncharacteristic goals. If we are brutally honest there were too many who had an off day. After taking the lead, we seemed to take our foot off the gas which was disappointing.”

But he enthused: “It makes it a massive game here at home, that’s the beauty is that we have another opportunity. We will dust ourselves down and make sure we give a better version of ourselves.”

It’s the Rebels and Hornchurch battling out a stunning finale on Saturday. The whole league programme kicks off at 12.30pm and with just a point between them Worthing know that victory over play-off chasing Ebbsfleet at Woodside Road will give them the title and automatic promotion to the National League. Anything less will have all eyes looking towards Essex where Hornchurch entertain Maidenhead.