Matt McClure is determined to make a difference at Maidstone after finally getting his move.

McClure finished pre-season at the Gallagher but boss John Still didn't have the funds to complete a deal.

However, with United short on goals and suffering injuries in attack, they signed the former Aldershot and Wycombe striker on a short-term deal last Friday.

The 27-year-old made an instant impact by scoring on his debut the next day as Still and Hakan Hayrettin's side drew 1-1 with Slough.

McClure said: "They wanted to get a deal done but couldn't quite make it happen with the budget.

"But after the first couple of games, and a couple of injuries, they managed to find something at least until January, so I'm here and I can't wait to get stuck in.

"When it didn't happen to start with, Hakan said don't do anything for a couple of days and John said he was going to keep on trying.

"He knocked on the door for a couple of weeks and the owner was keen to get it done."

McClure's goal owed everything to his work rate and desire to chase down a long ball and force a mistake from Slough keeper Jack Turner.

He promises more of the same with Maidstone visiting Concord on Saturday and hosting Chelmsford at the Gallagher on Bank Holiday Monday (both 3pm).

McClure said: "First and foremost, I work hard for the team because I want the team to win.

"If you look at my scoring record over the last few years, it's not where it should be because I've done jobs on the left wing and played out of position.

"I'll play anywhere for my manager but I'm looking forward to a run of games up front, which is where I prefer to be.

"I've never played at this level before, so I might find it difficult, but I've got my first goal.

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"I'd have liked another one but I felt I did all right until the legs - and lungs - went a bit in the last 10 minutes."

McClure is hoping to play more games under Still than the last time their paths crossed at Dagenham, although he's always appreciated his methods.

He said: "He didn't play me at Dagenham.

"When he came in I was injured and then one of the other forwards was doing well, so I couldn't complain.

"John hasn't changed at all.

"We know each other, I know how he works and I enjoy how he works.

"He might not be some people's cup of tea but, although I'm still quite young, I'm old-school with how I think games are won and that's how John thinks as well.

"We've got a good squad but we're a bit wet behind the ears and that's another reason he's brought me in, because he felt we lacked a bit of experience up front.

"I'm not saying I'm going to change the tide but I'm hoping I can contribute with the younger lads and bring their game on a bit.

"Even if it's just 2%, it would be nice to help them improve and we can all work off each other and make the team better."

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