By Andrew Gidley

Martin Hayes has suffered a double blow as Dover battle to maintain their chase for a Blue Square Bet South play-off place.

Jon Wallis could be out for at least a fortnight after damaging ankle ligaments in Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat at Staines, while Lewwis Spence has been recalled by Rushden & Diamonds.

Manager Hayes (pictured) said: "Jon went into a challenge and seemed to get his foot stuck in the turf. We had to rest him at the weekend because of sore calves.

"Rushden are operating under a transfer embargo and are short of players and Lewwis has had to go back and sort things out. We hope he might be back by the weekend but will have to wait and see on that."

Defenders Ollie Schulz and Dominic Shimmin are still struggling with groin and knee injuries repectively, so Hayes has drafted in Gillingham youngster Connor Essam on an initial one-month loan.

Dover have home games with Boreham Wood on Saturday and Havant &Waterlooville on Tuesday, and Hayes believes their form at Crabble will be crucial if they are achieve a top-five finish.