Dougie MacDuff hopes two “wasted” weeks don’t come back to haunt Irvine Vics.
The Westenders boss admits he’s worried about squad ring-rust after a fortnight without a competitive fixture.
Vics followed up a friendly at Troon with a Saturday on the sidelines after a waterlogged pitch saw their league clash at Saltcoats scrapped last weekend.
Frustrated MacDuff insists it’s the last thing he needs as he looks to keep momentum building after six West of Scotland League Third Division wins on the spin.
He said: “We’re only three months into the season and that’s two weeks wasted already.
“Games in hand are one thing - but you’ve got to win them. I’d much prefer points on the board.
“It’s really frustrating. The boys have been working hard in training but it’s not the same.
“You need games to keep players on their toes and doing the right things. It’s natural for things to slip after a few Saturdays off.”
Vics entertain winless bottom dogs Newmains United this weekend and MacDuff reckons the visitors will be desperate for points, even at this early stage of the season.
He added: “Carluke had a terrific win against Kello on Saturday which means Newmains know they have to claw back points.
“They will come to us with nothing to lose which means we will have to compete and fight for everything.
“That’s what I mean when I say it’s hardly ideal that we’ve been idle the last few weeks.”
On a positive note, MacDuff has a full squad of players to pick from, barring crocked No 1 goalkeeper Owen McCallum who is still a week or so away from a return to action.
He won’t be short of back-up however after running the rule over another four keepers on top of bringing in loan signing Martin Johnston.
One of those is Daniel Terry, who has had spells at Stenhousemuir and East Fife.
MacDuff said: “A couple of weeks ago goalkeepers were like hen’s teeth - I couldn’t find one!
“Now I’ve got options and a decision to make come Saturday.”
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