Keeper Lewis Ward looks to have played his last game for Margate.

The 19-year-old tore a quad muscle training with parent club Reading and expects be out for six to eight weeks.

Ward's six-month loan deal at Hartsdown is due to end at the turn of the year so it seems unlikely he will return to action for Nikki Bull's side before then.

Ward signed for the Blues after catching the eye in pre-season and had been a virtual ever present.

Boss Bull is suspended for Tuesday's Kent Senior Cup second round tie at Greenwich Borough but hopes to bring in a replacement keeper by then.

He is also hopeful of signing a couple of strikers by the time the Blues travel to Truro in Vanarama National League South on Saturday, having seen Michael Thalassitis, Elliott Buchanan and Daniel Akindayini all leave in the past 10 days.

Akindayini has gone on loan at Leatherhead and scored on his debut for them in Saturday's 3-1 home win over Lowestoft Town in the Ryman League Premier Division.

He also won and missed a penalty while Adam Cash, also on loan with Jimmy Bullard's side, was sent off five minutes from time.