Injury problems are mounting for Jim Ward Picture: Martin Apps

by Craig Tucker

Sittingbourne have been dealt another injury blow only days after Simon Pettit was ruled out for the season with a snapped Achilles tendon.

Goalkeeper Brad Ashmore – a summer signing from Herne Bay – is facing a spell on the sidelines after damaging his ankle in the Brickies’ 3-2 win at VCD on Saturday.

Ashmore’s injury left joint-boss Jim Ward searching for a keeper ahead of the friendly against Thamesmead on Tuesday night.

Brickies are still coming to terms with the loss of captain and key man Pettit, who was injured last week.

An operation scheduled for the weekend finally took place on Monday, with Pettit facing a long road back.

Ward said: "He’s still a bit down. We go back many years – he’s a friend as well as a player – and I’m just so disappointed for the boy. Football can be a cruel game."

Another new recruit, Jason Dolby, will take over as captain in Pettit’s absence. He scored the opener against VCD and Ward is backing the ex-Ramsgate utility man to shine.

The boss said: "He has plenty of experience and is good in the changing room so it makes sense to have him as captain."

Striker Hicham Akhazzan, who scored twice, was the other man on target in Sittingbourne’s win at VCD.

There is free entry at Bourne Park on Saturday (3pm) when Brickies take on Aveley in their next pre-season friendly.