Maidstone goalkeeper Nathan Harness is back in business after an early-season injury setback.

Harness took an accidental blow in the face from team-mate TJ Bramble when United were defending a free-kick in their second game of the campaign at home to Torquay.

The goalie, a summer signing from MK Dons, tried to carry on but eventually had to come off.

Lenny Holden deputised as Maidstone beat Hampton & Richmond 2-0 in their next game but Harness was given the all-clear to return at AFC Totton last weekend.

He kept his first clean sheet for the club in a 1-0 victory and made it successive shut-outs as United drew 0-0 with Chelmsford on Bank Holiday Monday to preserve their unbeaten record.

Harness doesn’t remember too much about the incident against Torquay but is glad to be back in the team.

“At the time I thought it was their player who caught me but it wasn’t, it was TJ, one of our boys,” said Harness.

“He cleared the ball and caught me on the follow-through, right on the sweet spot on my chin.

“My face hit the ground and as I was getting up, I stumbled backwards and I wasn’t in a good headspace.

“I probably shouldn’t have got up.

“I tried to carry on for 10 minutes but I didn’t feel myself, I couldn’t really see straight, so I went down and did what was best for the boys and decided to come off.

“It’s a bit of a scary thing when you’re dealing with your head, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“I missed the Hampton game but I was delighted for Lenny to come in and keep a clean sheet.

“It’s never easy on your debut when the nerves are flowing but he did well and the boys helped him as well.”

Maidstone manager George Elokobi is a big admirer of teenager Holden but Harness is the club’s No.1 and was restored to the side at Totton, where Deon Moore’s header earned another win.

“I was delighted to be back in the side on Saturday,” said Harness.

“The gaffer’s shown his faith.

“I didn’t do anything wrong to come out, so it was one of those where I thought I might come back in.

“We got a good point at Hemel (1-1 draw on the opening day of the season) and it was just an unlucky thing against Torquay that I had to come off with.

“It’s nice to come in and get a couple of clean sheets.

“It was a good 1-0 win at Totton, tough, but we saw it out well.

“Chelmsford was a bit different, I didn’t have much to do.

“I had a save early on but the boys did well in front of me.

“It’s all about building relationships this early in the season, especially with so many new boys at the club.

“The boys that have been here a while, the likes of George Fowler and Sam Corne, are helping the boys settle in and I think we’re starting to build good relationships.

“That’s three clean sheets already now this season, so we’re looking to build on that.”

Harness was with Maidstone from the start of pre-season but they had to wait to confirm his signing from MK Dons.

He’s settled in well at the Gallagher.

“From the moment I stepped through the door, I’ve absolutely loved it here,” said Harness.

“The gaffer, Craig (Fagan, assistant boss), the backroom team, they all work really hard.

“I’ve just had a smile on my face ever since I got here.

“The first pre-season game, I really enjoyed it.

“I knew it was going to be somewhere I’d enjoy my football and perform to a level I know that I can, so I’m delighted to be showing everyone what I’m capable of.”

Harness started his professional career at Charlton, making his debut in a 6-1 Football League Trophy win over Crawley in 2021.

While with the Addicks, he had loan spells in National League South at Billericay, Welling and Dulwich Hamlet.

The keeper moved on to MK Dons two years ago and played National League football on loan at Gateshead and Southend.

So he’s well acquainted with non-league football and knew what he was getting into after leaving the EFL.

“There is a difference,” he said.

“There’s stuff in the league that’s done for you, and when you drop down it definitely gives you a bit of a reality check and snaps you back into gear.

“I’m no stranger to non-league. I’ve been out on loan so I’ve had plenty of experience in this league, and the National League, and I really do enjoy playing in it.

“Anyone on their day can put a nice goal past any keeper.

“In the Football League there’s certain individuals that are more, let’s say, technically able to whip a ball or strike a ball past you.

“But at the end of the day, anyone’s capable of doing it, so you can’t take anything for granted.”

Maidstone visit Worthing tomorrow and are off to Weston-super-Mare on Tuesday.

They go into the weekend in good spirits.

Harness said: “We’re unbeaten, it’s been a good start to the season, we’re in and around it and we’ll be full of confidence going into the next few games, which I’m sure will be tough.”