Epsom & Ewell boss Lyndon Buckwell admits the loss of top scorer Robbie Burns is a hammer blow to his side's hopes of promotion this season.

Burns, who fired 11 goals in 12 league appearances this campaign, quit the Merland Rise club last week in a bid to play at a higher level.

And Buckwell accepts he is struggling to fill the void.

He said: “Whenever you lose someone like that it is obviously going to be a big blow.

“He basically said he wanted to try his luck at a higher level and we were not going to stand in his way.

“Robbie said he was not enjoying his football here any more and he certainly left on good terms – he did everything the right way.

“He is training with a few clubs at the moment and we wish him all the best.”

Burns' stand-in, Mark Jarman, did his chances no damage with a brace as Epsom earned a hard-fought 3-2 FA Vase win at Moneyfields on Saturday, Dale Marvell grabbing the other goal.

And Buckwell admitted he has high hopes for his new acquisition.

He added: “Mark has come in from Bookham and he has done really well.

“It is all about other players stepping up to the plate now.

“Saturday was a good start as the team spirit was tremendous – up until about 2.30 we thought the game was going to be off, but they dug in and got the result.”

Buckwell now wants that form transferred to the league, with Epsom having slipped to tenth ahead of this weekend's trip to Dorking.

He added: “We have lost our way a bit recently, with a couple of bad performances thrown in.

“Dorking will be a good place to get back on track, as there is still plenty of time for us to move up the table.”

Epsom & Ewell's next three matches: Nov 21 Dorking (a), 28 Horley Town (h), Dec 5 Wellington Town (FAV, a)