By Steve Tervet

Maidstone are poised to sign an experienced centre-back as manager Jay Saunders bids to bolster a squad hit by injuries to key players.

The defender, who has played in the Football League, should go straight into the Stones squad for Saturday's home game against Walton Casuals.

A run of three games without a win has seen Maidstone slide to fourth in Ryman League Division 1 South, eight points behind leaders Bognor.

Saunders (pictured) refused to blame injuries at both ends of the field for his side’s dip in form but admitted he needed to bolster the squad to sustain a promotion challenge.

He said: "Graeme Andrews has played the last two matches but he’s struggling with his groin and Gavin Greenfield (knee) is waiting on a scan, so we don’t know how long he’ll be out for.

"Danny Lye’s been playing out of position and that’s taking away from other areas of the pitch.

"I’m not sure how long (striker) Shaun Welford will be out for. He blocked a shot in training, jarred his knee and now he can’t bend it properly."