GRAVESEND & Northfleet's pre-season preparation has been hit with the loss of first-choice goalkeeper Paul Wilkerson through a freak injury.

Wilkerson tore ankle ligaments playing with his children and could miss all of the club's pre-season games, plus training.

It is the second time in as many years that the Fleet have been struck by a pre-season injury jinx. Last year it claimed centre-back Francis Duku who broke a leg in the club's opening pre-season friendly at Weymouth and missed most of the season.

"Paul injured the ankle playing with his children in the garden and it looks as though we're going to be without him for all of the pre-season," said manager Andy Ford.

"All we can do is hope that the damage is not as bad as the first reports suggest."

Lee Turner, whom the club have signed as cover, will deputise.