WITHOUT a game in more than a month, conditions have not been kind to a new-look Egerton side still finding their feet.

The Mereheath Lane outfit changed almost all of their players during the summer, and have struggled for consistency in the first half of the season.

A cup clash with Tarporley was postponed on Saturday and, with co-manager Ben Smith predicting a similar result this weekend, his team may have to wait until January to play again.

"It's hard for the boys as we've not played in four or five weeks," he said.

"We travelled on Saturday, only for the game to be called off half an hour before kick off."

Smith, and joint-boss Graham Egerton, had targeted promotion before a ball was kicked, but Yellows sit ninth in Cheshire League One after collecting eight points from 11 games so far.

However they are contenders still to win two knockout competitions; the JA Walton Challenge Cup and the Northern Cup.

A trip to Bickerstaffe reserves, of the Wigan and District Amateur League, awaits in the latter.

"We're hopeful we can do well there," said Smith.

“If you win a cup or get to a final, then it attracts players as well as helping keep hold of the ones we’ve got.

“We’re happy with the squad, and have some talented players. Our focus is on adding one or two to that group."

He hopes a run of games will help the new recruits settle in, and play in a passing style Smith believes they are capable of.

Smith added: “We’re aiming to finish as high as possible.

“We’re not doing as well as we should be, so hopefully we can step up after Christmas and climb the table.

“When pitches are in better condition we'll be able to play better football - we're not a route one team - and once once we pick up one or two wins we’ll be ok.

“We’re training one night a week, which keeps things moving, but that will hopefully increase to two nights after Christmas.”