GRAVESEND & Northfleet manager Andy Ford has been hit by yet another injury blow after young striker Liam Hatch was ruled out for the rest of the season.

The news that Hatch badly twisted his ankle at work this week comes at the worst possible time for Fleet as they attempt to pull themselves clear of the Conference relegation zone.

Ford said: “I don’t think there are many clubs in the division who would have been able to cope with the injuries, illnesses and suspensions we have had.

“But the most frustrating thing is that some of them have occurred away from football, like gout (Steve McKimm) and TB (Justin Skinner) and now Liam. He’s out for the season.”

Hatch’s absence is likely to increase calls by fans for fellow striker Che Stadhart to come off the transfer list. Stadhart, last season’s top scorer and the leading marksman at Stonebridge Road this campaign, was put up for sale last week.

Ford said: “Che will stay on the transfer list and if we have a good offer for him we will sell him. But that’s the same for any player at this club.”

Fleet play hosts to fellow strugglers Woking on Saturday. Craig Wilkins looks set to come back into the squad for the game but Matt Lee is still suspended.