Sol Wanjau-Smith’s return to fitness boosts Maidstone in more ways than one.

Wanjau-Smith not only brings talent in abundance, he’s also streetwise when it comes to winning matches.

Stones boss Hakan Hayrettin described the forward’s old club Hungerford as “masters of the dark arts” last season.

And if Maidstone, on a run of four straight National League defeats, can gain any advantage, so much the better.

There’s certainly an argument they’ve been too nice to play against at times.

“Look at the Argentinians at the World Cup - it’s part of the game, unfortunately,” said Wanjau-Smith, who scored six goals and provided 17 assists for Hungerford last season.

“At the end of the day, I’m a winner and I want to get three points. I kind of do almost anything to do that.”

Wanjau-Smith joined Maidstone last summer, relocating from his home in Bristol, but issues with both knees delayed his debut.

He made a welcome first appearance midway through the second half of the Stones’ 1-0 defeat at Dagenham on Boxing Day, operating from the left wing.

It was a big moment for the 23-year-old as he finally got his first taste of National League football.

“It’s good to be back but it’s a bitter-sweet because of the result and that’s ultimately what we’re here for,” he said.

“The result’s disappointing but personally it’s nice to be out there after such a long time out.

“I wasn’t nervous, I was really excited, to be honest.

“I was quite lucky that, with the Christmas period, all my family were here as well.

“I’m not 100% fit yet. That’s why it’s going to be substitute appearances for the near future but hopefully I can keep building my match fitness and helping the team off the bench and eventually break into the starting line-up.

“It has been quite difficult, being out, but at the end of the day I’m still living my dream.

“I say this to everyone back home whenever they ask me how it’s been.

“It’s been absolutely perfect apart from playing football, which obviously I’m here to do.

“But the club, the players, everyone, has been unbelievable and I’ve settled in so well.

“It’s made my time so enjoyable without the football.

“Now, hopefully, I can kick on and get into the team and push on in the new year. It’s always nice when people are rooting for you and backing you. It helps you relax and play your game.

“People are hoping you can help change the team’s fortunes, which you could say is a bit of responsibility, but I quite enjoy that.”

Wanjau-Smith’s 26-minute appearance was long enough to spot one obvious difference stepping up from National South.

It’s all part of the learning process for the forward, who hopes to feature when Maidstone host the return game against Dagenham on Monday, live on BT Sport (kick-off 3pm).

“It’s a proper tactical game at this level, isn’t it?” said Wanjau-Smith.

“Coming on when we’re 1-0 down, Dagenham aren’t going to be playing too expansive.

“They’re not going to push for a goal, so it’s quite hard sometimes to break down a defence when they’re playing like that, whereas the first half was quite end-to-end.

“Going from playing at Hungerford Town, which is not the best ground, to some of the National League stadiums, like Notts County, it’s crazy.

“I’m happy we drew Notts County in the FA Trophy, from a selfish point of view, because I didn’t get to play in the league and hopefully I can get a run-out now.”

A date for the Notts County tie is still to be confirmed.

The Fourth Round match is scheduled for Saturday, January 14 but looks set to be switched on police advice as it clashes with Nottingham Forest’s Premier League game against Leicester.

Friday night or Sunday afternoon are the likely alternatives.