Joe Pigott has played his last game for Maidstone and will sign for AFC Wimbledon on Monday.

Pigott made his farewell appearance as a substitute in United’s FA Trophy win over Heybridge, with boss Jay Saunders confirming his 12-goal striker would be leaving.

The former Charlton man couldn't turn down League 1 football but has found it hard to say goodbye to his hometown club.

The 24-year-old held talks with Wimbledon boss Neal Ardley on Friday, with the deal to be completed after the weekend.

Saunders said: “He’s scored all sorts of goals, I don’t know where we’d be if it wasn’t for his goals.

“He’ll he a big, big miss to us but I’m really delighted for him and his family because they’ve been a pleasure to have about the place.

“I sat with him yesterday, we were having something to eat and he looked more disappointed that he was going.

“I said ‘what’s up’ and he said ‘I know it’s a good move and I’m looking forward to it but deep down it’s wrench to leave here.’

"He’s really enjoyed his time, it’s his local club and I’m gutted to lose him.

“He literally does deserve everything he’s getting. He’s been first class.

“I just wished him all the best in the changing room and you could see from the boys’ reactions, they all love him.”

Pigott had said it would take a fairly special offer to leave the Gallagher this month.

There’d been interest from League 2 clubs but when AFC Wimbledon came calling, he had to think about his future.

Saunders said: “If it was a League 2 club he wouldn’t have gone, 100% he wouldn’t have gone, but the lure of League 1 football and going to places we witnessed the other week, like MK Dons and Blackburn, it’s an offer I don’t think he could refuse.

“He asked my advice and my advice was to go and have a chat with their gaffer and see what his plans were and I think he does feature in their plans, so that’s good.”