GARRY WILSON has explained the absence of Dan Smith as Eastbourne Borough went down to a cruel Bank Holiday defeat to Ebbsfleet United.

The club's only full-time pro was left out of the 16 as Borough conceded deep in stoppage time to go down 2-1 to their previously winless visitors.

Smith was signed from Plymouth Argyle in the summer after a highly successful loan spell at Priory Lane but has struggled this season and was substituted early in the first half at Salisbury on Saturday.

Nathan Crabb replaced him yesterday and played well before being sacrificed for a replacement goalkeeper after Borough had Danny Knowles sent off.

Wilson said: “Nathan came in and was magnificent in the first half. It was a difficult one to take him off.

“Paul Armstrong wasn't available on Saturday and I wanted to bring him back into the squad and somebody had to sit out. Basically, it was who deserved to be in the 16.”

Smith could come back into contention for Saturday's trip to Kidderminster with three players picking up knocks yesterday.

Armstrong (hip), Marc Pullan (back) and Matt Smart (ankle) are all doubtful for the weekend fixture, leaving Wilson limited for options with a small squad.