Boss Steve Lovell may have a major decision to make over who starts Herne Bay’s opening match this season in goal.

Bay begin their Isthmian South East campaign at Littlehampton on Sunday, aiming to build upon last term’s eighth-placed finish.

But Lovell and son-assistant Mark Lovell are sweating on the fitness of No.1 Harry Brooks, with 19-year-old Taite Holtam having been recruited on an initial two-month loan deal from Gillingham to help provide competition for Brooks’ spot - and fill the void Brooks will leave if not fully fit.

On Brooks’ injury, Lovell, whose side won 4-2 at home against a Gillingham XI last Tuesday before their pre-season-ending weekend 3-2 loss against ambitious Isthmian Premier club Chatham, said: “He got a knock in the Gillingham game last Tuesday.

“I needed to get another goalkeeper in. I’m still not sure if Harry will be fit for the weekend.

“His thumb is really swollen and bruised. Being a goalkeeper, it’s essential that he’s 100 per cent fit.

“If there’s any doubt, we will not be risking him. But we will see what he’s like in training this week and go from there.

“We only had young Carter Wilson otherwise and I didn’t think it was fair to chuck him straight in.

“If Harry is still carrying an injury, it might make that decision easier.”

Holtam - who played for Gillingham against Bay last midweek - was between the sticks against Chatham.

Lovell said: “Taite did very well.

“He was a bit nervous to start with, obviously, but he made a couple of really good saves. He has settled in well.”

Bay were beaten by Chats despite goals by midfielder Kane Haysman and Mike Salako.

Striker Salako bagged a hat-trick against Gillingham, too, substitute Josh Reid also on target at Winch’s Field.

“It was a good game on Saturday,” reflected Lovell. “We both had a go.

“They’re a good side and have got a good squad, they’re a good club. I think they will do well in that league this year.

“I thought we managed it very well and put on a good performance against them, really.

“I was really pleased with the way we played.

"We created quite a few chances and perhaps could have scored a couple more goals.”

While Bay’s competitive campaign is still yet to get under way, weekend hosts Littlehampton started their season with a 1-0 victory over Tooting & Mitcham.

Lovell revealed: “I went and watched them in the FA Cup. I had a look at them.

“Littlehampton are Littlehampton. They’re physically strong, they try to play football, and they’re a good team at this level.

“It’s a hard place to go and it will be a tough first game for us.

"We have got to be 100 per cent at it if we’re going to get anything.”

Bay also will have an extra day to wait than most before their league season starts - something Lovell intends to make the most of by watching one of their rivals in action on Saturday.

He explained: “It was different when I was at Gillingham. We knew the players we were playing against and had reports on them anyway.

“But at this level, it’s absolutely essential to go out and physically see teams.

“Personnel does change from game to game - that can happen at any club - but we will then have some idea of what we’re coming up against.

“It does help. I think everyone is looking forward to the start of the season.

“I think we’re really looking to push on this year from last year.”