Tunbridge Wells manager Martin Larkin

Striker Charlie Ottway could be handed his Tunbridge Wells debut on Saturday, if their Kent League game with Erith Town at the Culverden survives the elements.

Ottway, once a prolific striker with Crowborough, signed from Ringmer last week after struggling to break into their first team.

“He needed a fresh challenge,” Wells manager Martin Larkin said. “He’s very, very quick and we might also bring someone in this week as cover at centre-half.”

Tunbridge Wells retain an outside chance of overhauling leaders Herne Bay and can improve the odds with a win over Erith.

With Herne Bay involved in the FA Vase, Tunbridge Wells play one of their three games in hand and while the 17-point gap may look daunting, that could slashed to eight with three wins.

With nearly half their season to go and Herne Bay still to visit the Culverden following last Saturday’s postponement the Wells could potentially reduce the gap to a more manageable five points if they can go on a winning run.

“That’s the plan,” Larkin said.

“The next few games are all against teams around us. The target is second spot and if we win the games in hand we can put pressure on Herne Bay if they do slip up.”

Photo by LAWRIE PROCTER