Herne Bay have suffered another pre-season blow with new goalkeeper Rob Budd ruled out by a broken hand.

Budd was injured in the 4-2 defeat against Folkestone Invicta last Wednesday and could miss the first month of the season.

The former VCD and Thamesmead stopper tweeted a picture last week, saying: “(It) felt superb to be back playing, was doing OK as well, even saved a pen, this is a setback though.”

Joint-boss John Embery said: “Rob went down to make a save and has fractured the socket which is attached to the finger. He is unlucky to get that kind of injury.”

Budd’s absence follows new skipper Jono Richardson being detained in hospital and placed on a drip. Embery added: “Jono is recovering and we hope he might do some training this week but we will assess things later."

Bay included former Dagenham & Redbridge keeper Tyler McCarthy in the side beaten 2-1 by Canterbury City at Winch’s Field on Tuesday night and have two others, Kent Schools and England under-18 representative Tom Carey and Rhys Hughes also in the squad.

Matt Martin put City ahead after 15 minutes, with striker Jarred Trespaderne levelling for Bay eight minutes before half-time.

Gary Mickelborough hit City’s winner four minutes from time.

Embery is pleased Herne Bay have an extra week's build-up, before kicking off their Bostik South season at home to Lewes on Saturday, August 12.

He said: “It will be valuable because the injuries and holidays have messed up our preparations.

“We play Heybridge Swifts on Saturday and go to Cheshunt the following week but I am trying to fix up another midweek game ”

Tom Carlton got the winner as Bay won 4-3 in a friendly at Southern Counties East League side Bridon Ropes on Saturday.