Herne Bay boss Steve Lovell hopeful of having full-strength squad for first time in month for big Isthmian South East match at Lancing

Boss Steve Lovell is hopeful of having a long-awaited Herne Bay selection headache this Saturday.

Bay will visit fellow Isthmian South East strugglers Lancing after last weekend’s scheduled trip to Erith Town was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

Lovell, instead, got his troops together to train and may be clear of injury and suspension issues for the first time in months.

He said: “It wasn’t too bad because we got all the players in and trained on Saturday.

“We will train again this week and hopefully, come Saturday, we will have a full squad to choose from for the first time in about three months.

“It will be good to have that headache!”

As Herne Bay look to climb up the table in the second half of the campaign, they have recently signed striker Lauric Diakiesse and young midfielder Freddie Oliver while young defender Joel Odeniran has rejoined from Folkestone.

Lovell said: “I’ve signed a couple. They have gone straight in and done well.

“We have been able to train and they’ve got to know the players a bit better. Our squad has always been a good squad since the start of the season.

“Losing a few to suspension and injuries, that has really hurt us. But - like with most clubs - when you have got everyone fit, you have about 20 players.

“It’s incredible how you can go from having 12 players to 20 quite quickly.

“That’s just the way it is in non-league football. It’s no coincidence our lack of form has run alongside the injuries and suspensions we have had.

“When everyone is fit, I know I’ve got a very good squad.”

Teenager Odeniran has headed back to Winch’s Field for a second spell with the club this season on loan from Folkestone and started in the 2-1 home defeat to Margate on New Year’s Day.

He was recalled by the