The U's were outplayed for long spells in this Ryman Premier clash on Bank Holiday Monday but it wasn't until the closing quarter-of-an-hour that the Stones struck three times to give the scoreline a more realistic look.

Maidstone dominated the early exchanges and only a combination of goalkeeper Greg Nessling and defender Danny Spice prevented Elliott Bradbrook from opening the scoring after only two minutes.

The visitors did take the lead on 13 minutes when a long cross to the back post was met by Bradbrook and his header fell invitingly for James Pinnock to stab over the line.

Hastings eventually roused themselves and were unlucky not to go in all square at half time as Marc Whiteman saw his well-struck shot smack against the post.

Whiteman went close on a couple of other occasions, while, at the other end, Nathan Russell did well to clear a Bradbrook effort off the line.

The Stones regained control of the match after the restart and Nessling was called upon to save from Pinnock and Bradbrook.

Pinnock doubled the advantage 12 minutes from time after Hastings failed to clear a corner and the striker completed his hat-trick with a cool finish seven minutes later.

Roland Edge added a fourth just before the final whistle after Nessling had parried an initial shot.