Sam Denly has injury worries ahead of Herne Bay’s Ryman League, Division 1 South opening day trip to Carshalton Athletic on Saturday.

Midfielder Ben Brown is definitely ruled out with an ankle injury and the Winch’s Field boss also has doubts about Danny Walder, Liam Quinn and Sam Staunton, while long-term absentees Jamie Turner and Sam Hasler are still struggling.

Hasler would have missed the game anyway due to a one-game ban.

Brown and Walder both picked up knocks in the 3-1 home defeat by Thurrock on Saturday, while Quinn was hurt in training on Tuesday night.

Denly admitted: “It’s not ideal but we have enough strength to cover.
“It’s a tough start against a club relegated from the Premier Division last season. They will be experienced and hard to beat on their own ground.”

Denly, starting his second full season in his first job in management, added: “This season is probably more important for me. I have got a year under my belt, am ready to go and looking forward to it.”

He added: “A lot of eyebrows were raised when I was appointed with people saying I lacked experience but I went into with my eyes wide open.

“I enjoyed it and learned a lot. We built a new squad and they gelled last year. I have only lost two (Dean Grant and George Benner) and feel we are stronger all-round this time.”