Ben Brown is facing the prospect of a long lay-off after being told he needs surgery to repair a serious knee injury.

The Herne Bay midfielder has suffered ligament and cartilage damage, and is now awaiting a date for the operation.

Boss Sam Denly said: “It’s a massive blow for Ben and the club, and we are already facing up to the prospect of him missing most of next season as well.

“I feel very sorry for him, because he has had a few niggles this season. When he has played he has done very well for us.”

Bay are also awaiting news on the fitness of striker Danny Williams, who is seeking a second opinion on the foot injury that has worried him for several weeks.

Denly added: “Danny is still struggling, and he is still unsure what he has done. I am due to talk to him this week and hope to find out more.”

Bay, without a game last weekend, entertain Guernsey on Saturday (12.45pm), looking to follow-up their 4-3 win in the Channel Islands last November.

Denly, who has received a report on their 0-0 draw at Ramsgate on Tuesday night, said: “It was one of our best performances of the season, and turned our season around. We want to finish above them in the table, and that’s a big incentive going into the game."