“Don’t panic - there are still 44 games left.”

That’s the reaction from boss Danny Lye after a disappointing start to Ashford United’s new Bostik South season.

Back-to-back defeats, six goals conceded and none scored, three red cards and a lengthy injury list have all conspired to make it a difficult opening week at Homelands.

Frazer Walker (knee) Chris Elliott (rib) and Dave Botterill (groin) all limped out of Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat against Carshalton, and join Matt Day (dead leg) and Dan Stubbs (knee) on the sidelines.

Pat Kingwell, Jason Goodchild and Micky Phillips all face suspensions following their sendings-off.

Walker could be out for up to two months after having his knee placed in a brace, Elliott’s return to the side lasted only 25 minutes, and Botterill had to be replaced at half-time.

Kingwell will miss Saturday’s FA Cup Preliminary Round trip to Combined Counties League Redhill, while Goodchild and Phillips start their bans next Tuesday.

Goodchild will miss three games, while Lye has to confirm the length of Phillip’s punishment.

He also confirmed that new signing Sam Long has left the club after being unable to commit due to work reasons.

Lye looks set to name himself in the starting line-up at Redhill , having come off the bench at South Park in midweek.

He said: “ We mustn't panic or sulk.

"It will be a struggle to name a side, but we will involve the youngsters again and see if they are ready .”

Lye suffered back problems last season, and had an epidural in his spine at the start of pre-season.

“I had it done five or six years ago when I had the same trouble -and all is good at the moment.”

United chase £1,925 prize money at the weekend against Redhill who won 8-1 at Sussex side Hailsham in the previous round.

If no replay is required, United travel to Herne Bay in the first round of the Kent Reliance Senior Cup next Tuesday (7.45pm).

The winners will be at home to Margate next month