Chatham will be forced into a reshuffle at the back this weekend.

The Ryman League, Division 1 North side have registered back-to-back clean sheets but suspension rules central defender Lewis Knight out of the home game with Heybridge Swifts on Saturday.

It’s a blow to Chats, who have gone three unbeaten in the league and have been solid in defence.

Assistant boss Peter Hawkins said: “We’ve got options and someone can fill that gap but over the past few weeks the defence has been excellent.

“Lewis and Liam Hickey have been doing well as a central defensive partnership and are best mates. The more you play together, the more you get to know each other’s game.”

Knight serves a one-game ban for his dismissal in the goalless draw against Waltham Abbey.

This weekend’s visitors Heybridge Swifts have recently switched managers but Hawkins is confident that won’t have an effect.

He said: “Everyone there will be trying to impress whoever is in charge and sometimes that’s not a good thing for us as the players can raise their game. But if we do what we’ve been doing in recent games, then I don’t see why we can’t get a result.”

Greg Benbow is back available this weekend and another new face could be in the ranks.

“We’re working on something and might have someone in,” said Hawkins.