Centre-halves across Vanarama National League South could be forgiven for issuing the Mayday distress signal this season.

Maidstone United centre-forward Jay May is giving defenders nightmares every week and goalkeepers are probably sick of the sight of him, too.

May has scored four goals in his last five games and is relishing his role in a system which has helped the men in amber up to fifth in non-league’s second tier.

With diminutive on-loan striker Adam Birchall buzzing around him and Maidstone’s creative midfielders feeding off his hold-up play, the 29-year-old has been at the heart of United's superb recent run.

May said: “I’m always looking to improve but I’ve been doing all right.

“I’m up top on my own at times when we’re defending and I try to occupy the two centre-halves so the other players like Bodkin, Birchall and Bobby-Joe can do their stuff.

“I don’t want to knock the league below, but the centre-halves are a lot more clever in what they do and more physical than last year."

May earned particular praise from manager Jay Saunders after Maidstone’s 1-0 win at leaders Ebbsfleet last month. He didn’t give Kenny Clark or Fleet skipper Tom Bonner a minute’s peace at Stonebridge Road.

“Bonner’s a big lad and Clarky as well,” May said. “You do have little clashes during the game and I give as good as I get. If I get the better of my man, or the two centre-halves, I feel like I’ve done my job."

Read the full interview in Friday's Kent Messenger.