Injuries to Sean Ray and Craig Wilkins may force Ashford Town manager Steve Lovell to dip into the loan market ahead of Saturday’s home game against Eastbourne Town.

Both sustained knocks in Tuesday’s Isthmian League Cup second round 2-1 home defeat by Thamesmead Town with Ray’s foot injury making him the most doubtful of the two.

Lovell said: “The injuries were the biggest disappointment of the evening. Sean picked up a foot injury while Craig has a calf strain.

“Sean’s chances are no better than 50-50 and if he can’t play on Saturday, then I will consider signing someone on loan.

“They are injuries I could have done without because I want to build on Sunday’s excellent win against the leaders Kingstonian.

“That was only their second defeat of the season and it gives us something to build on, with hopefully an unchanged side against Eastbourne.

“We’ve been playing well enough without getting the results we deserved – until Sunday.”

Paul Jones and Mitchell Sherwood, rested on Tuesday, are expected to return against Eastbourne which is the first of two games in four days, the second being at Leatherhead on Tuesday.

Making his Ashford debut at Thamesmead was striker Leigh Hales, son of legendary Charlton top-scorer Derek.

Hales, who has been playing for Norton Sports in the Bulmers Cider Kent League Premier Division, is available to both clubs.

“Leigh is technically very good but is not quite fit enough at the moment for this level,” said Lovell. “He will return to Norton and we’ll take another look at him at a later date.”

Charlie Glyde, sent-off against Thamesmead on Tuesday for using foul and abusive language, misses the match against Walton Casuals on December 20.