SHARPSHOOTER Andy Forbes has dropped a summer bombshell on Conference South new boys Eastleigh.

The former Winchester City marksman, left, is in danger of missing the entire pre-season campaign after injuring his ankle in a summer six-a-side tournament.

Eastleigh's manager Paul Doswell is distinctly unimpressed.

The Sparshatts Stadium club got promoted the hard way from the Ryman Premier Division last season after overcoming a crippling spate of injuries.

Tyronne Bowers is still convalescing from a broken ankle and the last thing Eastleigh need with the new season less than a month away is for the nightmare to continue.

Forbes, 25, was conspicuous by his absence on the Eastleigh teamsheet for Tuesday's friendly against Southampton and Doswell later revealed: "Andy played in a six-a-side tournament, which he shouldn't have done, to try and get a bit of sharpness.

"We're not sure how long he'll be out. He's taken a whack on the ankle, which is pretty disappointing."

Former Reading man Forbes was voted non-league player-of-the-year for 2003/4 after banging in a phenomenal 76 goals for Winchester in their FA Vase-winning season.

But for personal problems, he would almost certainly have joined AFC Bournemouth last summer after his amazing scoring exploits captured the attention of Cherries boss Sean O'Driscoll.

Instead he joined Eastleigh and continued his impressive strike rate with 26 goals from just 35 appearances having missed a chunk of the season due to a double calf operation.

On the plus side, Forbes's absence will give Eastleigh's new strike signings James Taylor (Havant & Waterlooville) and Neville Roach (Basingstoke Town) a chance to gel - plus it creates an opportunity for young striker James Stokoe to impress.

Stokoe had a spell out on loan at Bashley last season and Bashley's newly-promoted neighbours, Lymington & New Milton, were hoping he might be the man to spearhead their attack in the Ryman Division 1.

But Doswell stressed: "James is staying here. He's coming through as a real prospect."

The Eastleigh Supporters' Association are having a pre-season get-together and disco at the club on Thursday, August 4 (7.30-11pm). Entry is free. All welcome.