Jay Saunders admits losing stand-in keeper Kelvin Jack to suspension will be a big blow for the Stones and says the experienced stopper was ‘too honest’ when he was red-carded.
Jack was dismissed before the break in the 1-1 draw against Merstham on Saturday for handling outside his box. However, before the referee brandished his red card, Jack was already walking to the tunnel.
Player/manager Saunders admitted: "I think Kelvin was too honest. He started walking off and taking his gloves off straightaway. The referee told me afterwards that he made his mind up for him.
"If he’d stayed where he was and stood his ground, he might have got a yellow. Now he misses the Bognor game next week, which is a big blow for us."
Jack is standing in for regular keeper Charlie Mitten, who has seen a specialist again about a hip injury.
Marc Powell took over in goal on Saturday but Saunders added: "Powell’s done well but he hasn’t got a lot of experience at this level and I’m not sure if I can throw him in against Bognor. I’ll think about it."
Maidstone have no game tomorrow on Saturday and Saunders said: "It’s a bit of a bonus, not playing this weekend because we’ve had a nightmare week for injuries."
Winger Alex Flisher will be sidelined for at least three weeks after being left on crutches by an ankle injury on Saturday. Graeme Andrews and Danny Lye could return for Tuesday’s Ryman League, Division 1 South game at Faversham, while Gavin Greenfield won’t need an operation on a knee injury.