Nathan Eastwood has joined Herne Bay’s increasing injury list and looks set to miss the rest of the season.

The midfielder has been struggling with a back injury which shows no sign of improving.

Boss Sam Denly said: “We thought Nathan would be all right at first but the problem has got no better and he is due to have an MRI scan.”

Eastwood’s loss is another blow for Denly, who has already lost Calum McGeehan (knee) and Connor Sanders (hamstring) to season-ending injuries.

Denly has recalled defender Steve Lloyd from his spell with groundsharers Canterbury City and intends to give more of the club’s youngsters a chance in the final two weeks of the season.

He added: “Elliott Cutts and Kane Butler were both involved at Burgess Hill (last Wednesday) and Sittingbourne and we have got a lot more young talent at the club but I need to blood them slowly.

“It’s a four or five-year plan and I want time at the club to bring these boys through.”

Bay have finished runners-up in the NRG Gym under-21 League and victory in their final match against Lewisham Borough next week will see them finish only a point behind champions University of Kent.

Denly said: “Alan Bircham has done a great job with the side in the competition’s first season and there are a lot of positives throughout the club.”

Bay lost 1-0 at home to Hythe on Tuesday night with champions Peacehaven due at Winch’s Field on Thursday, ahead of Easter games at play-off contenders Merstham on Saturday and home to Ramsgate on Monday.

Denly said: “Merstham are one of the best footballing sides in the division.

“It’s the fourth time we have played them this season and we have yet to concede a goal against them. I want that to continue on Saturday.

“I know several of the Ramsgate boys well. Justin Luchford is in charge there now and we both worked together when he was in charge at Whitstable last season.”