Shaun Welford is looking to score 45 goals this season after the summer transfer which has breathed new life into his career.

The Maidstone striker (pictured) has been in sensational form, scoring 20 goals in 19 appearances since joining from rivals Margate.

His goals have fired the Stones to the top of Ryman League, Division 1 South, showing exactly why manager Jay Saunders worked so hard to make the deal happen.

Having already smashed through his pre-season goal target, he believes he could even top the national non-league scoring charts and is hunting down Mo Takaloo’s tally of 44 goals from the 2005/6 season, when the Stones won promotion from the Kent League.

"I did set a target, 20 goals, although I didn’t expect to get it this early," he said. "Now we’ll go for 30, if it comes in the next five or 10 games, great, then I’ll set another target.

"I’d be lying if I said no (I wasn’t interested in the national golden boot). I’m on the websites, having a look, so we’ll see where it goes. Six years ago, Mo Takaloo scored 44 goals, so I think 45 is my target."

After being rested for Wednesday’s League Cup win over Carshalton, Welford returns to the Maidstone squad for Saturday's home game against Merstham.