MAIDSTONE were dealt a blow on Wednesday when Gillingham recalled prolific striker Luis Cumbers and immediately loaned him out to Conference side Grays Athletic.

Stones joint-manager Alan Walker told his club’s website: “We got the news this morning and this is a great opportunity for Luis to now gain experience at a higher level of football.

"We of course wish him well and he has been a great credit to Gillingham in terms of his professionalism at the club.

"He has set a benchmark for our strikers, who will now have to step up to the mark.”

For Maidstone the news was disappointing but predictable: Cumbers scored 11 goals in 14 appearances for the Stones, including one as a sub on his debut against Tonbridge.

Crucially the six goals he scored in the Ryman Premier Division saw United surge from the foot of the table to the edge of the play-off places.

Without Cumbers’ goals, Maidstone would have 11 fewer points and be four points adrift at the bottom of the table.

The club are considering their options ahead of Saturday’s FA Trophy 3rd qualifying round tie with Canvey Island at Bourne Park, but Alex Tiesse signed a 28-day loan deal with Leatherhead and cannot be recalled.