Rovers were thrashed 6-0 by Kirkley in the first match after Larry Billings resigned as manager, back in August.

But just two players who started that game – Jamie Challis and Joe Harvey – were in the starting line-up for Rovers’ last match, a 5-4 loss to CRC on December 27.

“I’m not going to take a lot of notice of the last game because of the team and the squad we have now,” said boss Peter Betts. “Kirkley are of a similar level to CRC, maybe a bit more physical, but we can compete with that now.

“This month and next are really important.

“We hope we are going to get those three wins to get back in the mix before mid February, then we have the likes of Ely and Whitton coming up.”

The postponement of Saturday’s match at Stanway Rovers meant winger Richard Heller’s brief return from university lasted just two matches with three others falling victim to the winter weather.

The tricky youngster has said he will make himself available and travel back from Loughborough for big matches at the end of the season as Rovers battle to survive.

“It was frustrating (for the match to be postponed) because the players are working hard,” said Betts. “I had them training on Christmas eve, the keepers have trained three times over Christmas and the team trained on new year’s day.

“To prepare on new year’s day for Saturday and then have it called off is frustrating, especially because we had such a strong squad again.

“It’s not often when we get (Neil) Cogger and Heller both fit and available.”

Joe Harvey would have missed the match at Stanway with strained ligaments but he is expected to be fit in time for the Kirkley game.

Neil Cogger will also be available while last season’s Echo Player of the Season Marc Abbott is back in training after injury but not expected to return just yet.

Although the larger squad has meant a nice selection headache for Betts, he is also having to try to keep more players happy.

But with the reserves having a number of midweek fixtures coming up he will use those to take a look at the fringe players and help others build up match fitness.

Striker Paul Jenkin, scorer of 91 Haverhill Rovers goals, is one of those who will be back involved with the reserves after a short while away from the game.

n See page 47 for more Rovers news.