Jamar Loza expects Maidstone to stay in the National League - even without Delano Sam-Yorke.

Striker Sam-Yorke has returned to Woking after finishing his loan and while United are hoping to bring him back, Loza believes they have the players to cope.

He said: "He's a very good guy. I like D, everyone likes him.

"We're gutted that he's going back but that's football.

"We need to get our heads round that and make sure we keep playing how we've been playing the last four or five games.

"It's looking good. I think the squad we have now is very, very strong and I don't think we'll have any problems staying up. I'm really confident."

Loza scored twice and ran Southport ragged as United moved five points clear of the relegation zone with a 4-2 victory on Saturday.

The former Norwich man had arguably his best game in a United shirt, with his pace, skill and imagination too much for the visitors.

Stones boss Jay Saunders had a feeling it was going to be Loza's day and the man himself knew it would be a good afternoon.

He said: "From the first minute, if you do something good, it sets the tone for your whole game.

"It was one of them because I remember the first run I went on was decent and then from that, it just followed on."

The Gallagher crowd fed off Loza's runs and he loved putting on a show for them.

He added: "The fans are amazing, some of the best in the league, and they're going to be key in our fight for survival so hopefully they can continue that support, home and away, and I think we'll be fine."

Loza returned to the starting XI at Dagenham last week and hopes to keep his place after his display against Southport, even with Alex Flisher back from suspension.

He said: "It's been difficult being out of the side but I know we've got some quality players in the squad so if you're not performing, you'll get your time on the bench and that's what happened, but thankfully I've taken my chance.

"Hopefully I've done enough to stay in. D's gone back to Woking so that will free up another spot in the wide areas."