Tonbridge manager Steve McKimm is hoping to have striker Nathan Elder available from the start this weekend.

McKimm has been treading carefully with Elder’s hamstring but he could be back in the starting XI as Angels start a run of four Bostik Premier away games at Leatherhead on Saturday.

The 32-year-old remains as effective as ever leading the line and McKimm said: “We’ve had to manage him with his hamstring because if it goes completely you’re looking at six to eight weeks out, which is the majority of the season.

“He did some light training on Tuesday and hopefully he’ll be available on Saturday.

“Nathan’s not going to run the channels and go past people but what he does do is beat up centre-halves and score goals. He’s got 20 goals for the last two years and he’s on 10 already this year.

“He’s an all-round good fella, he’s a winner and it hurts when he doesn’t win, like all the players in my squad.”

Xavier Vidal and Joe Turner put Tonbridge 2-0 up inside 12 minutes against Lowestoft on Saturday but the visitors fought back for a draw.

The points leave Angels 11th going into their run of away matches with Leatherhead followed by Enfield on Tuesday, then Leiston (January 20) and Met Police (January 23).

McKimm said: “We’ve got some tough games coming up but that’s why you’re in football,
to test yourselves. If you don’t enjoy it there’s no point being involved.

“We were 2-0 up against Lowestoft and got pegged back. There were a few murmurings from the crowd and stuff like that but it’s a game of football – no one’s got a right to go and win.”

McKimm sat down with new chairman Roger Maddams for the first time last week.

They discussed ways to take the club forward and drum up more support but McKimm’s budget wasn’t discussed.

He said: “You always want more but I don’t think the club’s got any more.

“I’m looking to bring in a replacement for Chris Kinnear, who we released last week, and if that comes off it will be a like-for-like replacement. There’s no money to add to the squad.”