Herne Bay manager Steve Lovell facing goalkeeper selection dilemma as side wait on the fitness of Harry Brooks after bringing in Taite Holtam on loan from Gillingham

Boss Steve Lovell may have a major decision to make over who starts Herne Bay’s opening match this season in goal.

Bay begin their Isthmian South East campaign at Littlehampton on Sunday, aiming to build upon last term’s eighth-placed finish.

But Lovell and son-assistant Mark Lovell are sweating on the fitness of No.1 Harry Brooks, with 19-year-old Taite Holtam having been recruited on an initial two-month loan deal from Gillingham to help provide competition for Brooks’ spot - and fill the void Brooks will leave if not fully fit.

On Brooks’ injury, Lovell, whose side won 4-2 at home to a Gillingham XI last Tuesday before their pre-season-ending weekend 3-2 loss against ambitious Isthmian Premier club Chatham, said: “He got a knock in the Gillingham game last Tuesday.

“I needed to get another goalkeeper in. I’m still not sure if Harry will be fit for the weekend.

“His thumb is really swollen and bruised. Being a goalkeeper, it’s essential that he’s 100 per cent fit.

“If there’s any doubt, we will not be risking him. But we will see what he’s like in training this week and go from there.

“We only had young Carter Wilson otherwise and I didn’t think it was fair to chuck him straight in.

“If Harry is still carrying an injury, it might make that decision easier.”

Holtam - who played for Gillingham against Bay last midweek - was between the sticks against Chatham.

Lovell said: “Taite did very well.

“He was a bit nervous to start with, obviously, but he made a couple of really good saves. He has settled in well.”

Bay were beaten by Chats despite goals by midfielder Kane Haysman and Mike Salako.

Striker Salako bagged a hat-trick against Gillingham, too, substitute Josh Reid also on target at Winch’s Field.

“It was a good game