Tonbridge defender Ben Swift is facing three months out with a knee injury - but it could have been worse.

Angels were fearing an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) diagnosis after the centre-half went for a scan last week.

That would almost certainly have ended his season but the good news is he should be back in March.

“He’s done his PCL (posterior cruciate ligament), so we’re looking at three months out,” said Angels manager Jay Saunders.

“It’s a blow to us but it’s not as bad as an ACL.

“Swifty’s gutted but he’s looking on the bright side because it could have been a lot worse.

“It’s not ideal but it is what it is and we’ve got to get on with it.

“We’ve got Ethan Sutcliffe and Jamie Fielding was back on Saturday, so we’re all right. There’s no rush to get anyone in.”

Tonbridge lost 2-1 at National League South big-guns Torquay last weekend.

Francis Mampolo drew Angels level but they suffered a first defeat in eight league games.

It was harsh on the visitors after a good performance at Plainmoor.

“We were the better side,” said Saunders. “We were very good when you consider who we were playing.

“I’m not just saying it, the stats back that up.

“For large parts of the game, we were the better side.

“Their assistant manager (Aaron Downes) rang me on the way home, saying how good we were and he couldn’t believe they won, which I think says it all.

“I’ve known Aaron over the years and it was nice of him to phone.

“I didn’t get to see him at the end of the game so he gave us a ring.

“He was really impressed and a lot of their supporters came up to us in the bar and said the same thing.

“We got done on two breakaways but other than that, we’ve dominated and played some really good stuff.

“We lost Sean Shields through illness on the morning of the game, which wasn’t ideal, but the boys put a really good shift in.

“To leave with no points was harsh but it happened and we have to move on.”

Tonbridge are without a game this weekend.