AFC Telford United boss Rob Smith admitted that his side face a “daunting period” after Saturday’s postponement further increased the fixture backlog.

The Bucks’ FA Trophy match against Hayes & Yeading will now be played tomorrow evening rather than the scheduled Setanta Shield match against Kettering Town after the big freeze put paid to their weekend fixture.

And United face the prospect of playing Blue Square South outfit Kettering twice in quick succession after today being drawn away to either Tiverton Town or the Poppies in the third round of the FA Trophy, should they win tomorrow.

That match would be played on the last day of the month rather than the league clash against Vauxhall Motors.

Tomorrow’s match will be the first of six games inside 18 days – and Smith conceded that January is going to be a real test for his paper thin squad.

“It’s definitely a daunting prospect, particularly considering the size of the squad at the moment,” he said.

“But there are lots of points up for grabs, so it’s a very exciting time too.”

Telford follow tomorrow’s match with Blue Square North games against Hyde United (home), Vauxhall Motors (away), Fleetwood Town (away) and Vauxhall Motors (home) before the turn of the month – with the Kettering Setanta Shield match now re-arranged for Tuesday January 27.

The extra three days’ rest may help Telford’s injured trio though with right-back Lee Vaughan leading the recovery race.

Smith added: “Hopefully the injuries are easing a bit now. Stuart Whitehead, Indy Khela and Vaughan may all be back for Saturday.

“Vaughan might find himself in the squad tomorrow. I’m not sure he will be able to start, but the most important thing for us to get him right for the league.”

By SEAN WOZENCROFT