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Maidstone United leading scorer Dan Wishart has some great news for fans

Dan Wishart is enjoying himself too much to contemplate leaving Maidstone.

Top scorer Wishart took his tally to five with his injury-time equaliser against Havant last weekend.

Dan Wishart equalises against Havant with a towering header Picture: Steve Terrell
Dan Wishart equalises against Havant with a towering header Picture: Steve Terrell

It's been quite a comeback for the defender-turned-winger who was made available for transfer in the summer after expressing a desire to play higher following relegation.

Wishart stressed his commitment after failing to secure a move and while National League clubs are sure to be aware of his outstanding form, he's in no rush to leave the Stones.

He said: "I'm just happy to play football at any level.

"Any side that's winning it's always a nice feeling, whether it's the Premier League, Championships or lower.

"If you're playing, winning and scoring, everyone's happy.

"At the minute I'm happy here and long may it continue.

"I don't really want to think about what's going on in the future.

"I'm committed to the club."

Wishart, a left-back by trade, is on course for his most productive season in front of goal.

He's three clear of Matt McClure, Justin Amaluzor and Ibby Akanbi while Jonny Edwards got off the mark against Havant, but he's not about to start ribbing United's forwards.

Dan Wishart (No.15) celebrates his injury-time equaliser Picture: Steve Terrell
Dan Wishart (No.15) celebrates his injury-time equaliser Picture: Steve Terrell

Wishart said: "Even as a striker I don't think it's just about scoring.

"We play one up front so they've got to bring people into play. Jonny scored his goal, and I'm happy for him, but it's not just about scoring, it's about doing it for the team.

"As long as you're doing it for the team and we're getting results, no one really cares who's scoring.

"I have scored five in a season before but not this early on. I'm on a roll and I hope it can continue."

Wishart feels United's 2-1 defeat at league leaders Wealdstone a fortnight ago could be a defining point in their season.

It was a first loss in six games but head of football John Still gave the players a rollicking that will stay with them, accusing players of being "completely and totally unprofessional".

They responded by winning at Dulwich and taking a point against Havant, and are in no doubt what's required.

Wishart said: "Havant are a side that's going to be competing to go up and we've got to take points off the top teams now, not just the lesser teams.

"After Wealdstone we got a rocket from the gaffer and that's got to be the standard now.

"We won't be having an up and down season, we're going to stay consistent.

Dan Wishart is enjoying himself at Maidstone Picture: Steve Terrell
Dan Wishart is enjoying himself at Maidstone Picture: Steve Terrell

"That's what they want from the top and that's what they're going to get from the players.

"We'd been on a good run before Wealdstone but if you're going to do good things you can't accept blips in performances, no matter who you're playing.

"We got together as a team at Dulwich and were organised and resilient and we got our rewards at the end of it."

As impressive as the performance was against Havant, Maidstone were heading for defeat until Wishart made it 2-2 and sent the Gallagher Stadium wild.

He said: "They're telling me to push on, play higher and not really come back.

"The back post is my area and if the ball's in the air I'm making sure I'm there.

"It's my job, so I'm making sure I do my job, and it's been good enough to get us a point.

"It was a good time to equalise, especially at that end of the ground with all the fans there."

Read more: The latest sports news in Kent

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