Herne Bay assistant boss Gavin Theze has described the early season schedule as crazy but refuses to use the club’s injury problems as an excuse following three defeats in a week.

The 4-1 defeat at Ryman League, Division 1 South neighbours Faversham on Bank Holiday Monday, followed the 2-0 home reverse against this weekend’s FA Cup opponents Walton & Hersham two days earlier.

To make matters worse, on-loan defender Dan Parkinson, signed from Maidstone last week, was sent off at Faversham, in only his second game for the club.

Theze said: “Injuries to key players are not helping, while others are struggling with niggles with no time to recover. It’s been Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Monday, the fixtures are crazy, It’s not an excuse but it doesn’t help.”

Defenders Connor Sanders (dislocated shoulder blade) and Gary Sayer (ankle) are both sidelined, together with Danny Walder (knee).

Things don’t get any better. If the preliminary round tie at Walton ends in a draw, then the clubs replay on Tuesday, otherwise they will be involved in another Kent derby at Sittingbourne.

Theze pointed to a key moment at Faversham just before half-time. He said: “We were 2-0 down before Stuart King pulled one back. He then went around the keeper, only to hit the post. It was a big turning point in the game. We got into them at half-time and were looking to start on the front foot.”

Bay will be hoping to gain immediate revenge when they travel to Stompond Lane on Saturday, with the winners receiving £1,925 and a trip to Premier Division Tonbridge Angels in the next round.