RAMSGATE’S injury problems continue to mount ahead of Saturday’s Kent League Challenge Shield season curtain-raiser against Herne Bay.

New strikers Richard Sinden and David Cory plus defender Michael Cassar are the latest players to join the injured list with seven of Jim Ward’s 20 man squad under treatment.

Sinden picked up an injury in last week’s 2-0 win against Deal, while Cory, who has just signed a one year deal, is worried by hamstring trouble. Cassar lasted only 10 minutes of Saturday’s 4-1 win at Faversham, before pulling out with a calf strain.

Ward understandably is very concerned about the situation, and Maidstone-based striker Shaun Welford in particular. The prolific marksman, who scored 21 goals in 23 games last season is worried by a shoulder injury which has failed to respond to treatment.

The Rams boss said: "Shaun went to see a physio who told him it should clear up quickly, but he has now got to go back to see the specialist, and we should find out more by the weekend.

"I see the game against Bay as the beginning of our season proper. We’lll train twice next week, then play Margate the following week, and then we start with five games in ten days. including an FA Cup tie at Merstham.

"I feel a bit sorry for the lads, rather than myself, because they are all raring to go, and all desperately want to be involved from day one. Hopefully the injuries will ease, and we will know exactly what the starting line-up will be for our first league game against Burgess Hill.

"Nobody has let themselves down, a few have surprised me and are in the frame."

Graham Taylor, Mark Munday, Stuart Vahid and Michael Yianni were the scorers at the weekend, as Rams made it four wins and a draw from five pre-season games.

Rams are expecting good crowd at new-look Southwood on Saturday for the visit of League and League Cup runners-up Bay,

The Winch’s Field club were bitterly disappointed to be pipped to both honours last season. Top scorer, and Golden Boot winner Danny Kedwell moved to Conference South side Welling during the summer, and several other of last season’s squad have moved on.

One newcomer who has caught the eye is former Arsenal youngster Luke Blanchard.