Whitstable Town have suffered an early blow with the news that defender Ashley Ulph faces a lengthy lay-off.

The 25-year-old full-back was carried off with supected knee ligament damage in the 3-0 home defeat by Thamesmead on Saturday.

New boss Will Graham (pictured) said: “He will be a big loss, he is a talented boy who has been unlucky with injuries over the past couple of seasons.”

Ulph missed the start of last season after suffering a six-inch gash in his leg, in another pre-season game against the same club.

Town lost 6-0 at Kent Invicta League champions Hollands & Blair on Tuesday night, a defeat that Graham described as an “eye-opener.”

He said: “We went there with several under-21s and five first teamers and it backfired on us.
“Simon Halsey and I assessed things the morning after and decided we can’t keep mixing and matching.

“It showed the youngsters are not ready for the jump to senior football, Blair are a good side who have been together for a long time. They exposed our youth and were physically stronger.

“We have been fair and given people opportunities, it’s time to get serious, beginning against Thurrock on Saturday."

Scott Heard will be involved in the game after Maidstone decided not to offer him terms.

Town visit Deal on Tuesday night (7.45pm).