Hastings set the early pace

The U's followed up their 2-0 success over Wealdstone on the opening day of the season by ultimately having too much quality for their Kent opponents.

It was Maidstone, however, who took the lead at The Homelands on seven minutes through Ant Bodle. The visitors had to wait until just before half time to get back on level terms when a corner by Russell Eldridge caused panic in the home box and the ball found its way into the net seemingly off a defender.

Moments later a loose backpass allowed Sam Adams to give Hastings the lead going into the interval.

Ade Olorunda added the third midway through the second half before Kenny Pogue lashed in the fourth after Olorunda's initial shot had come back off the crossbar. Eldridge was also denied by the woodwork as Hastings created a host of chances in the second half.

Maidstone had the final say late on when Bodle claimed his second of the night with a 25-yard screamer.

Hastings' stay at the top could well be short-lived because Croydon Athletic (home to Margate) and Carshalton Athletic (away to Cray Wanderers) are both in action on Wednesday night and victory for either side by a three-goal margin would see them take over at the summit.