MARK Bentley is hoping to sign a new goalkeeper ahead of Canvey Island’s trip to face Middlesex’s Ashford Town.

Lamar Johnson suffered a thigh injury in the Gulls’ FA Cup third qualifying round replay defeat to Bowers & Pitsea.

And the derby loss, which came following a penalty shoot-out, has taken its toll on Bentley’s players.

Canvey boss Bentley said: “Lamar is struggling with a thigh strain and he may be unavailable for this weekend.

“That would be a big blow for us because he was unbelievable in both games against Bowers.

“James White and Jason Hallett have also picked up injuries, so we are down to the bare bones.

“I’m hoping to bring in one or two players before the weekend and I’m confident we will be able to do that.”

Canvey missed out on a fourth qualifying round tie with Chichester City in heartbreaking circumstances.

Despite Tobi Joseph firing the Gulls in front, winger Brad Warner got Bowers back on level terms.

After 120 minutes - and an original tie - the two sides could not be separated and Joseph’s penalty shoot-out miss proved critical.

But Bentley insists his players will be fired up when they turn their attentions towards the FA Trophy.

“You want the boys to give everything and they did that over the two games against Bowers,” added Bentley.

“It took penalties for Bowers to kill us off, which is a shame, but I couldn’t have asked for anymore from my players.

“I’m hoping it will not be difficult to pick the boys up and I’m sure they will be looking forward to getting back on the pitch as soon as possible.

“They were disappointed to go out of the FA Cup in midweek but it’s important that the group stays together.”

Ashford have endured a disappointing start to the Isthmian South Central campaign and are bottom of the standings having failed to register a win so far.

And Bentley is keen to secure more prize money by seeing off Ashford in this weekend’s FA Trophy first qualifying round tie.

“The FA Trophy is a competition I want to do well in and we are eager to progress,” admitted the former Southend United midfielder.

“Although we have a number of injuries to contend with, I will put a team on the pitch which is capable of winning.”