Badshot Lea were frustrated by the weather again on Saturday when their match at Colliers Wood United was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

But they managed to make the best of the situation with a hastily-arranged behind closed doors friendly against Combined Counties Premier Division North outfit Wokingham and Emmbrook.

Co-manager Gavin Smith was delighted that his side were able to have a useful run out.

“Wokingham’s game was called off on Friday night and they told us they had booked a 3G if we wanted a friendly,” he said.

“We told them our game was likely to be off, and when it was called off it was good to have the chance to get playing again.

“Most of our players are alright in terms of minutes played, but there are a couple of players who haven’t done a lot – Adam New has not done a lot so we need to get more into him.

“We gave everyone 60 minutes against Wokingham and made five changes every 30 minutes – it was a useful exercise.

“We managed to train on Tuesday and Thursday last week, so with the friendly on Saturday we’ve kept ourselves ticking over.

“We’re now approaching a run where we’re going to be playing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday most weeks – so we’re going to need our whole squad.

“It will be tough for us, but Abbey were beaten by Farnham on Saturday and it’s always a boost when the teams around you are not winning.

“Abbey are already six games ahead of us, which is crazy really. I don’t know how that’s happened, but we’ve got to deal with it.

“We’re up there in the league table, and I’d like to think we’ll be up there at the end of the season.

“We’ve got a good group of players – we had 21 at training last Thursday. We might have to get a couple of loan players in to stay near the top if we pick up a couple of injuries with our hectic schedule – but at the moment I’m very happy with the squad.

“I am aware, though, that you can’t legislate for injuries.”

Next up for the Baggies, weather permitting, is a home game against bottom side Frimley Green in the Combined Counties Premier Division South on Saturday (3pm).

Games between the two sides in the recent past have had a bit of needle, and Smith insists he isn’t taking the basement boys lightly.

“Frimley Green will be tough – we can’t underestimate anyone in this league,” he said.

“We came unstuck 2-0 at Camberley earlier this season, and we drew 2-2 with Banstead.

“Our games against Frimley Green in the past have had an edge, but I don’t think it will be the same this time. Both of their previous managers had players who knew all of our players, so they knew how to get under our skin and make things difficult for us.

“Frimley are a younger side now and the two sets of lads don’t really know each other. Frimley at home is a game we need to go and win.

“We then face Tadley next Tuesday, which will be a tough game.

“Tadley have won eight out of eight at home in the league, so it certainly won’t be easy. Things will only get tougher from now.”