Lewes are counting the cost of their midweek defeat of Albion – with two players having to go under the surgeon’s knife.

On-loan Ebbsfleet full-back Lloyd Harrington requires an operation after being forced off after 24 minutes of Wednesday’s Sussex Senior Cup tie with a recurrence of a knee injury.

Matt Crabb underwent surgery yesterday on a knee problem suffered in the 2-1 extra-time defeat of Albion’s development squad.

With Gary Elphick having undergone an operation on Monday on his broken wrist, some of the gloss has been taken off another excellent week for the Rooks.

Since finding themselves bottom of Ryman premier three weeks ago, Lewes have won four games on the trot – two in the league, one in the FA Trophy and one in the Senior Cup.

They have the chance to extend that against Ryman north toilers Heybridge Swifts in the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy tomorrow.

But assistant manager Danny Bloor admits the injuries are disappointing.

Bloor said: “What with losing Gary Elphick as well, that is three important players we have lost in the week. We will have to see with Matt but hopefully that won’t be too long. Lloyd is more long-term and Gary will be out for six to eight weeks.

“We might need to bring in a couple of players just to get our numbers up.

“We are looking forward to Saturday. On the way back from Enfield (last month) Garry (Wilson) and I were in a terrible place so to win four on the trot is tremendous.

“We now have an opportunity to keep the run going, make some money for the club and progress in a national competition. It is a massive game for us.”

Midfielder Phil Appiah misses out through suspension tomorrow although he has a hamstring injury which ruled him out on Wednesday, while Fraser Logan is battling to recover from a back injury.

Wilson and Bloor plan to speak to Ross Treleaven who has not featured recently. James Fergany could be back in contention tomorrow.

Lots more non-league in The Argus today.