Winger Rory Hill staked his claim for a place in the Maidstone team with a wonder goal against Ebbsfleet.

Hill fired home a 20-yard volley from Lea Dawson’s flick as Stones won 3-0 victory on Saturday.

The former Tonbridge man has welcomed the arrival of Orlando Smith as competition hots up for a place on the wing. He said: “Orlando coming in keeps me and Flish (Alex Flisher) on our toes.

“It’s competition and means you have to play well to stay in the team. As a winger, you’re always looking to take people on and it’s noticeable if you lose the ball and are having a bad game.

“I wouldn’t expect to play but pre-season is the time to win your shirt and that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Hill plays on the right but would be happy to operate from the left.

He added: “I played on the left for three or four years as a young player at Gillingham and enjoyed it. You find non-league managers prefer to play right-footers on the right but I’d be happy to play on the left if I was asked."

Hill is surprised to see Stones’ new signings settle in so quickly and believes the club are capable of completing back-to-back promotions.

He said: “It’s only pre-season but there’s a real buzz around the place. Everything’s going well and we’ve gelled quicker than I thought we would with the new lads coming in."