Herne Bay left-back Jack Parter’s comeback is on hold.

Parter was nearing a return from a knee injury he suffered in October, however, he has since had appendicitis.

“Jack Parter was close to being back,” said manager Kevin Watson.

“But unfortunately, he’s had appendicitis and had an appendix out. He had an operation on Monday so he’s on the road to recovery.

"We haven’t set a timeline on that, just to give Jack the time he needs.

“Mike West is just waiting for a date for his operation. But I’m not going to sit here and blame injuries, illnesses and absentees [on our league form].

"When I hear other managers say that, while it may be the reality, it just feels like an excuse.”

Things could easily have been different for Bay on Monday at Cray Wanderers. They trailed to Dan Bassett’s 17th-minute strike before two goals in the last 10 minutes during their 3-0 loss.

Watson reflected: “We had some good opportunities, especially early on.

“It’s frustrating for all. It’s frustrating for the management team, frustrating for the players - and they certainly feel that frustration - and it’s frustrating for the other stakeholders for the club and the fans as well.

“But I made a statement that went out on social media on Monday night with regards to the fanbase.

“It’s incredible, really, that you are in the position we are as a club in terms of our league status.

"Yet, the fans are overwhelmingly supportive of the players.”

There’s a big match this Saturday at home to Bowers, managed by another ex-Cray Valley boss in James Collins.

They are third-bottom and only six points better off than Bay but drew 0-0 on Monday with Billericay after a 2-0 Boxing Day success at Canvey Island.

Watson said: “They have picked up some much-needed points and it’ll be another tough game.

“But when we are in the position we are, you can’t look and assess and say ‘This game is tougher than this one’.

"We need to set our stall out and approach every game with the same mentality.”

Former Bay midfielder Bola Dawodu is among Bowers' ranks. He struck in August for his current employers in a 2-1 home win over Herne Bay.