Injury-hit Chelmsford City face another major crisis before they visit Dr Martens League Eastern Division leaders Folkestone Invicta tomorrow (Saturday), because they will be without leading goalscorer Ollie Berquez.

The 19-year-old striker, who netted his 20th goal of the season and the winner in last Saturday's game against Stamford, is out for at least two weeks with damaged ankle ligaments.

He is the latest in a long line of current casualties that has given manager Gary Bellamy his biggest nightmare since taking over three years ago.

Yesterday the City boss was frantically trying to recruit two experienced players on trial for the game at Folkestone and the home match with Raunds Town on Monday (kick off 7.45pm).

"We can take players on trial for just two games - not on a loan deal - from any league, even the one we compete in," he explained. "We just need a couple more quality, experienced players to see us through these two games and then we have a 12-day break for the injured to recover.''

Trial players too can be signed up on the day of a match so Bellamy has until tomorrow to find the two he desperately needs for the vital trip to Kent, and the several clubs he is involved in talking to at present include Tottenham Hotspur and Ipswich Town.

"It would do us a power of good to have a couple of new faces to help out," Bellamy said. "Of the injured, Shane Bailey should be fit and Gavin Crane, who was sick last weekend, has recovered but the others have no chance of playing.''

Experienced striker Steve Morris is still out, Tesfaye Bramble was due to see a specialist this week and goalkeeper Paul Catley will not be risked for another fortnight.

Bellamy added: "We go to Folkestone in a positive frame of mind, it's an important game and we will defend in depth and try and catch them on the counter-attack and pinch a goal when we can.

"We will rely on our set pieces too and as long as the players keep their discipline and do what is required we can get a result."

Bellamy knows that with a full strength team City would have no problems in coming away with a win, but will now be looking for an outstanding performance from his experienced defence to see them through the game.

City had pencilled in a friendly game at AFC Sudbury on Tuesday but because of the injury crisis that had to be cancelled.

The match with Raunds Town on Monday should be an easier game for City because the visitors saw all their first team players walk out on strike last week, forcing them to field their reserve side which went down to a 2-1 home defeat by Fleet on Saturday - the Hampshire side's first away win this season.

Off the field there is good news for City fans as work started on major improvements at Billericay Town's New Lodge ground this week.

This includes better and more seating, a new boardroom and other facilities with the trainers' dugouts being moved across to the other side of the pitch.

Once completed, before the March 31 deadline, it means that, should City win promotion this season, the ground will be passed for premier division grading.

Bellamy said: "That should be an extra incentive for us to maintain our current form, and be up there for promotion."

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