Margate manager Steve Watt says the club will look to bring in cover for Lenny Pidgeley after it was revealed the keeper will not play again this month.

The 33-year-old former Millwall and Watford stopper has been given compassionate leave by the Blues while he deals with a personal issue and Watt admits he will be a big loss.

A statement issued by the club on Monday afternoon said: "Margate Football Club can confirm that first team goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley has been allowed compassionate leave for the month of December.

"Pidgeley will spend time away from the game to focus on his personal life and the club fully supports him and looks forward to welcoming him back in the New Year. Everyone at the club sends Lenny all our best."

Boss Watt added: “Lenny's been a huge player for us this season. I think he’s only conceded two in a game once and it’s not just his saves, it’s his organisational ability.”

Patrick Lee has been keeping goal in Pidgeley’s absence and while Watt has every faith in the ex-Harlow youngster he does feel competition for the No.1 jersey at Hartsdown is essential.

He added: “’Patch’ is a good lad, I worked with him last year away from Margate and he’s a great character who can handle being put into the situation he’s been put into here.

“He’s done superbly well for a young keeper. To come into a club like ours, with the ambition we have and do what he has, is impressive, he’s just taken everything in his stride.

“Patch deserves all the praise he’s been getting and I’d be more than happy to go with him but, with all the games we’ve got coming up, I just feel he could do with a bit more support.”

Watt was delighted with Saturday’s 3-2 home win over Hendon - a result which leaves the Blues in eighth, nicely poised outside of the Bostik Premier play-offs.

Frannie Collin scored twice - taking his tally for the season into double figures - while Dave Martin netted the other - his second in as many games after scoring in the FA Trophy replay defeat to Bath in midweek.

Watt said: “Saturday was an important game for us because Hendon are a very strong side.

“Gary McCann always produces good, attack-minded teams and it was good to get a result after the disappointment of the Trophy defeat (the Gate lost 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Hartsdown).”

Pidgeley, and full-back Chris Sessegnon - who expects a scan on his knee this week - both sat out the game while Jack Evans (tight hamstring) had to come off at half-time, and towards the end defender Tom Wynter’s shoulder problem had forced him off.

Defender Tom Mills (knee) was only fit enough to sit on the bench with striker Jordan Chiedozie restricted to a brief cameo after continuing to be troubled by a lower back problem.

Boss Watt explained: “The pleasing thing for me was that we did not have Jordan and we still scored three goals. I thought Jay May was back to his best.

"He changed the game when he came on against Bath and on Saturday he controlled their back four.

“He did not score but he had two assists and his contribution was massive.”

Margate travel to Bromley on Tuesday for a Kent Senior Cup quarter-final tie.