Maidstone United sign former Southend striker Matt Rush from Aveley

Maidstone have signed striker Matt Rush from National League South rivals Aveley.

Rush arrives at the Gallagher Stadium after scoring six goals and providing 10 assists this season.

The former Southend man only joined the Millers from Braintree in the summer, helping them to second place.

Maidstone are two points back in fifth but Rush, 22, sees the move as a step forward.

He said: “It’s a massive club and a club that I think can be pushing for promotion, minimum play-offs, and that’s where I want to be.

“It’s where I want to go in my career, to the next level, and I think I can do that with Maidstone.

“I got to the play-offs last year at Braintree and obviously Aveley are second at the moment and have done really well.

"But I think Maidstone can win the league, easily, and that’s what I want.

“I want to go up, I want to progress, just like the club, so that’s why I think it’s the right place.”

Rush is cup-tied today as Maidstone visit Chesham in the FA Cup First Round but could make his debut at home to Eastbourne in the league on Tuesday night.