Maidstone United’s lack of goals has prompted manager Jay Saunders to head into the transfer market.

Only four teams in National League South have scored fewer goals than Stones, whose magnificent defensive record has underpinned their rise to third in the division.

They visit rock-bottom Basingstoke on Saturday, but with the halfway point of the season approaching, Saunders knows he can’t stand still if his side are to keep themselves among the pack of promotion hopefuls.

He said: “We’re not scoring enough. We’re playing some really good stuff but we’re not quite killing teams off and that’s something I’m trying to address.

“When I say scoring goals, that’s not just the forwards, that’s in all areas of the midfield. You find out a lot about players when you get to this stage of the season. You go into seasons and you have players you think are going to do one thing and they don’t.

“Mitchell Pinnock’s a prime example. I had in my head that he would come in and play but he hasn’t.”

Pinnock was this week placed on the transfer list while defender Steve Watt has left the Gallagher after Saunders decided to release his club captain. Watt had made only one league appearance since August after losing his place to Jamie Coyle.

Saunders said: “You can’t be too sentimental in football. This was probably one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make since I’ve been manager here. I just felt the time was right."

Alex Osborn (hamstring) is the only injury doubt ahead of the weekend. Stones and the winger's parent club, Ebbsfleet, clash in the Kent Senior Cup on Tuesday.