Maidstone United midfielder Bivesh Gurung on making 100 appearances for his hometown club

Bivesh Gurung says it’s a privilege to have reached 100 appearances for hometown club Maidstone.

Gurung brought up the milestone with a typically committed performance in United’s 0-0 draw at Hornchurch on Saturday.

He knew he was closing in on three figures but hadn’t realised Hornchurch was the day until after the final whistle.

“I’m delighted,” said the midfielder, 23.

“To reach 100 appearances for the club is a great feeling.

“I knew I was there or thereabouts but I didn’t know it was today. It’s a great feeling and a privilege as well.

“Any time I get to put on the shirt is a great feeling and I just try to wear my heart on my sleeve and give my best every single time I step on to the pitch.”

Gurung was a youth-team player at Maidstone before being spotted by Crystal Palace in 2017.

He had spells in Sweden and Norway before returning to the UK, joining Margate, followed by a move back to Maidstone.

The former Maidstone Grammar School pupil made his debut as a second-half substitute in a 0-0 draw at Havant and was soon rewarded with an 18-month deal by then-boss Hakan Hayrettin.

“It was a crazy couple of days leading up to that game because we had quite a lot of injuries and people dropping out because of illness,” said Gurung.

“All of a sudden I got called up to be on the bench and then came on in the 55th minute. I remember that day very well, to be honest, and it was a really nice feeling.

“You always hope your debut will kickstart something special and it’s not bad reaching 100 appearances after that.”

Maidstone went on to win the National League South title but it was last season when Gurung truly came to the fore with his contribution to the club’s FA Cup exploits.

His wonder strike against Barrow was voted