Faversham Town boss Ray Turner is facing an early season injury headache with centre-backs John Scarborough and Jordan Miller both struggling.

Scarborough suffered a recurrence of a calf problem in the 2-1 defeat at Folkestone Invicta on Tuesday, and misses the Ryman League Division 1 South trip to Merstham on Saturday, while new-signing Miller has missed both opening games with a groin problem,

Turner said: “We risked John the other night, he had a fitness test before the game, and got through to half-time, but we can’t define what the exact nature of the injury is at the moment. I think he will be out for at least a couple of weeks.

“We will have to check on Jordan ahead of the weekend, but it is a cause for concern.”

Turner refused to be too despondent following the Invicta defeat. He said: “It was very close, with nothing between the two sides and all down to fine margins.

“We were very strong in the first half, created numerous chances and were the better side. We should have been in front at half-time.

“Invicta’s front two (Paul Booth and Ian Draycott) gave them the edge, being a bit more clinical. We pulled one back and then Jamie Maxted had another disallowed for offside just before the end. I would like to see it on video as my boys all said it was very tight.”

The Lilywhites lost 4-1 at Merstham last March in a match which saw three players (including former striker Brendon Cass) sent off.