Nick Barnes has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

The Hythe midfielder (pictured) undergoes surgery to repair the cartilage damage on Thursday after being injured in the 3-1 Ryman League Division 1 South win over Corinthian Casuals last month.

It was Hythe’s first win in 2013, which launched their present unbeaten eight-game run.

Boss Scott Porter said: "It’s a blow because he is a valuable part of our squad and has been for the past two years with his experience and how he makes the team tick.

"Nick is frustrated but I still want him involved in the dressing room before the game helping all the other lads.

"We haven’t lost, though, since he has been out of the side and that shows how well the guys who have replaced him have done."

Lee Winfield should be fit after missing the Dulwich game with a slight groin strain.