BASINGSTOKE Town will face next week's big Ryman League kick-off without Stuart Girdler.

The midfielder is out for a month after slightly tearing the medial ligament in his right knee against Salisbury City.

The first game he will miss is team's last pre-season friendly tomorrow against Dr Marten's League side Hinckley at The Camrose (3pm).

Girdler told The Gazette: "It's frustrating, especially with the start of the season so close.

"You come back and, just as you get fit pre-season, this sort of thing happens. But I shouldn't be out for too long."

Fortunately, midfield is one area where Town have options, with Glenn Howes, Dominic Naylor, Rob Cook, Jimmy Fraser, Mike Davis and Mark Lisk all looking for starting places.

The team got back on the winning trail after last Saturday's defeat at Brockenhurst by beating Guildford and Godalming 21 midweek.

Ahead of the Hinckley visit, Town manager Ernie Howe said: "It's nice to be on our own pitch because the last few we have played on haven't been too good.

"I don't know too much about Hinckley but they were doing a pre-season tour in the area so they asked for a game."

Tim Sills marked his return from holiday with his first appearance for the club this pre-season in the victory against Guildford and Godalming.

He scored the equalising goal and has played three games this week as the manager increases his fitness levels.

"It was good to have Sills back midweek," said Howe.

"He played the night before for the reserves and again on Thursday night to get him ready for the start of the season."

Town's league campaign starts next Saturday against Hitchin Town at the Hertfordshire's side Topfield ground.