Maidstone have recalled striker Alfie Pavey from his loan spell at Dover for the promotion run-in.

Pavey scored six times in 18 appearances for Whites following his move to Crabble at the end of November, and looked set to finish the season with Andy Hessenthaler’s relegated National League side.

But with Mo Bettamer returning to Aldershot, Stones manager Hakan Hayrettin has brought Pavey back for the final seven games as they look to clinch the National League South title.

Pavey, who scored Dover’s second goal in their 6-5 defeat at Wrexham on Saturday, appears to be facing a fight to get in the side, despite his good form in the division above.

Jack Barham has made the lone striker spot his own since returning from a knee injury, scoring hat-tricks against Dartford and Eastbourne, and Hayrettin is a fan of Hady Ghandour, who recently returned to the Gallagher on loan from Charlton for the rest of the season.

Whites boss Hessenthaler said: "It’s a blow, he has scored six goals for us.

"He has been very good in general as well and was excellent on Saturday. But listen, he’s not our player.

"He is Maidstone’s player. Hakan is one of my friends and he helped us out. I hope Alfie goes back and helps them to get promotion. It’s a blow for us but I thank Maidstone for their help."

On Twitter, Pavey wrote: "Thank you - a football club that has a lot of good people around it. Not once did we stop fighting and the boys will continue to do so all the way till the end.

"(The) youngsters (are an) absolute credit to the club, stick with them. AP."