Maidstone have landed a major blow in the Ryman League Division 1 South promotion race by signing prolific striker Stuart King from Folkestone for an undisclosed fee.

King, pictured, has scored 44 goals in just 47 games for Folkestone and has agreed an 18-month contract. He could line up against Herne Bay at the Gallagher Stadium on Saturday.

Stones boss Jay Saunders said: "I wasn’t looking to bring in another striker but I heard a rumour he might be available and sometimes you just have to act.

"Kingy won the Golden Boot last season and is top scorer again this year with 15 goals.

"He’s capable of playing at a higher level and there were other clubs sniffing around but he was desperate to come here. We want promotion and a player like him, who can score 30 goals, can help us achieve that."

With Ade Olorunda starting a three-match ban and fitness concerns over Paul Booth (groin) and Ian Draycott (ankle), King is likely to start alongside captain Shaun Welford on Saturday.

Maidstone’s reward for their stunning FA Trophy upset against Salisbury last Saturday is a second round tie at Blue Square Bet North side FC Halifax on December 15.