WARMINSTER Town have been handed a big injury blow with George Butler set to be ruled out for up to three months.

Butler suffered a compressed cheekbone in an accidental clash of heads in Warminster’s heavy defeat at home to Gillingham Town and will now undergo surgery, with boss Derek Graham not expecting him to be available until at least the new year.

That incident happened after just four minutes and there was a double early blow soon afterwards as the visitors went ahead from the penalty spot.

Although Warminster did not fall further behind before the break, four further strikes followed in the second half to give the scoreline a one-sided feel.

“We didn’t expect to win but we hoped we could as there will always be shocks but, to be fair, they are a good side,” said Graham.

“We have done OK this season and although we know we aren’t the finished article yet, we didn’t expect to lose 5-0 either, but these things happen.

“I don’t think it’ll affect our confidence but George will be a loss because he’s been ever present. It’s such a shame for him.”