Hakan Hayrettin described Maidstone’s seven-point advantage in the National South title race as massive - but stressed nothing is won yet.

The Stones won 2-1 at Chippenham yesterday to stretch their advantage over Dorking, who didn't play.

Wanderers will reduce the gap back to four points if they win their game in hand, against Chippenham on Good Friday, but Hayrettin feels United have dealt a psychological blow.

“People can say what they want, the most important thing today is this team have got three points and have opened up a seven-point gap which, psychologically, is a big thing,” said the Stones boss.

“It isn’t over, not by a long way, we know that - we know that.

"It’s significant, it’s massive, but what does it mean? Anyone can catch up. We’ve just got to match their results. My job is to keep pushing.

“We’re in a process and that process isn’t over until the last kick of the last game. When that last whistle blows, that’s when the process is finished.

“My message is this - it isn’t over till it’s over. We’ve got five big cup finals, starting against Dartford on Easter Monday.

"If people have said we’re the best team in the league they must mean it but the proof of the pudding will be at the end of the season.”

Defeat surprisingly cost Chippenham manager Mike Cook his job, with the Bluebirds only two points outside the play-offs.

Tom Mehew’s wonder goal drew them level after Jerome Binnom-Williams had given Maidstone the lead.

But United took the points with a cracker from Joan Luque - his 22nd goal of the season.

“It was a good day for us,” said Hayrettin. “It was a tough game, a horrible place to come.

“They’ve got a good manager (his departure was announced hours later), a good team and a lot of exciting youngsters who work hard for each other.

• Report: Chippenham 1-2 Maidstone

“They’ve beaten Dartford and Dorking here, we knew it wasn’t going to be easy.

“We had to defend at the end but I think we had the ascendancy.

“I’m concerned before every game but my job is to make sure I do my job.

“As a staff, we leave no stone unturned, home or away.

“I said at the start of the season, when I put this squad together, it was a squad for all kinds of surfaces, all kinds of weathers and all kinds of conditions. Today was one of those games.

“The pitch isn’t great, you’ve got the slope and it slants into the corners but we did ever so well.

“I’m so pleased for Jerome to get his goal and Luque’s scored another wonder goal to win it for us but we had to work hard.

“Do you know what? Jerome is the loveliest bloke anyone could ever get to meet.

“He comes to work with a smile on his face and he puts a smile on my face.

“How enjoyable when you see someone like that.

“He’s proven, he should be playing higher and hopefully he will be with us next season.”