Head of football John Still says Maidstone are missing Matt McClure.

The forward scored 10 goals and brought out the best in Ibby Akanbi before leaving for Gloucester at the end of his short-term deal last month.

He was offered new terms but Maidstone couldn’t compete financially with the National North club.

It’s proving a double blow for the Stones, for as well as losing McClure’s goal threat, Akanbi hasn’t scored since his mentor moved on.

Still said: “We’re missing McClure.

“It’s like the ball goes in the box and it isn’t always that he’s there to finish but he gets rebounds, he gets knockdowns, he gets those sort of goals.

“It’s a finisher’s instinct and we lost that. We have to live with it, there’s nothing we can do about it.

“Ibby’s finding it a little bit hard at the moment but it’s all new to him this season.

“A clever player like Matt playing up there with him might help him but what can you do?”

Still won’t accept a lack of confidence for Maidstone’s recent struggles in front of goal.

They’ve scored just three times in six games since McClure left but Still said: “I’m a really funny person about confidence.

"If you’ve got a job to do, you’ve got to work hard at your job.

“It doesn’t always go well but you just work harder. I’m not a massive believer in losing confidence.

“I’m not saying it doesn’t happen but no one’s going to touch you with a magic wand and make you confident.

“It’s people’s jobs and they have to do the jobs they’re brought here for.”

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