Maidstone United will look to bounce back after consecutive defeats when they travel to Essex for a tricky FA Trophy first qualifying round tie against Waltham Forest on Saturday.

While Stones go into the game at Forest’s temporary home in Ilford on the back of a 1-0 loss at Horsham in the Ryman League, Premier Division on Tuesday night and Saturday’s 2-0 FA Cup loss at Woking, Waltham have won their last four and are among the pace-setters in Division 1 North.

More alarmingly for Maidstone is the fact they have failed to find the net in their past three games.

Joint-boss Lloyd Hume, pictured, said: "We are creating chances but not been getting goals. Meshach Nugent is out on loan to get his fitness up and he could be the missing piece.

"He had 60 minutes for VCD on Saturday and 75 minutes on Tuesday and apparently was looking sharp. He’ll have a couple more games there and then he’ll be back."

He added: "Waltham will be a tricky tie. It is not always the nicest environment to go. Losing is a habit and I’m desperate to get out of the rut as quickly as possible."

Hume and Alan Walker have a full-squad available for selection.