Hampton & Richmond Borough assistant Dudley Gardner has admitted the absence of midfielder Francis Quarm has affected the team more than originally anticipated.

The 26-year-old midfielder, who has not featured since a 1-1 draw with Thurrock in September, went under the knife on Monday in a bid to cure a cartilage problem in his knee and is likely to face another six weeks on the sidelines.

The Beavers have struggled for consistency this season as boss Alan Devonshire saw Jon MacDonald - bound for Havant & Waterlooville - join Graham Harper and Jamie Collins in heading for the Beveree exit door this week.

Their departures coincided with a 1-0 defeat at cash-strpped Lewes on Saturday, but it is the continued absence of Quarm that is causing most concern according to Gardner.

“I think he is probably looking at another month to six weeks out, but reports are that the operation was a success,” he said.

“We have been missing him. He gives us a little bit of guile in the middle and is able to find the odd through ball here and there.

“He gives us better balance in there and that is what we have been struggling with.”

Devonshire collected the manager of the month award last week for an unbeaten league campaign in October, but saw striker Ian Hodges, Craig Dundas and Lawrence Yaku all missed good chances.

“We had about five one on one opportunities and four other chances that would have meant we could have own the game comfortably,” added Gardner.

“Our first half performance was nowhere near good enough. We are taking the wrong options in front of goal at the moment and it is costing us.

“We have lacked consistency in selection all season for whatever reason, but the league is still wide open.

“Hayes & Yeading were on the same points as us at this stage last year and they went on and got promotion. We are more than capable of getting on a consistent run.”

Hampton entertain Havant at the weekend, which could see MacDonald return to the Beveree quicker than anticipated.

“I expect he will at least be on the bench. He is a threat - especially with his long throws - and we have to be wary of that,” Gardner said.

“They have got a big budget down there, but are not doing as well as they should be. If we start well I’m sure we will be okay.”

Hampton’s next three games: Nov 14 Havant & Waterlooville (h), 21 Concord Rangers (FAT, h), 24 Welling Utd (a).