MALDON and Tiptree boss Alan Kimble had mixed feelings over the postponed game at Romford.

The Ryman League division one north match at Ship Lane on Saturday was postponed following a pitch inspection due to the wet weather.

Kimble wanted his side to get back in action after an unsatisfying performance against bottom side Burnham Ramblers on New Year’s Day which ended in a 1-1 draw.

A Lee Pleasance own goal gave Maldon the lead but Burnham equalised through Andrea Mantovani.

The Maldon boss wanted his side to get the game out of their system quickly but the postponement did have a silver lining.

Kimble said: “I was disappointed that we didn’t get the game at Romford.

“I wanted a quick return to action after the Burnham game to get the players going again.

“However, on the other hand, it has given more time for a couple of players to get over injuries that they picked up in the Burnham game.

“Defender Gavin Greenfield has got a bit more time but he is 40-60 to be able to play on Saturday.

“I am hoping that fellow defender Ruddock Yala, who also picked up an injury in the derby game, will be able to get back on the pitch this weekend.

“I want to see a reaction from the players after the Burnham game.

“We didn’t turn up.

“I was disappointed with some of the application from the players. Eight or nine of them didn’t play to the best of their abilities and you can’t have that.

“Burnham’s equaliser was down to a mistake from keeper Tom Warren, but he held his hands up to that one and that’s football.”

This Saturday, Maldon and Tiptree take on second-from-bottom Cray Wanderers.

Tommy Warrilow took over as manager of the side on Monday, replacing former incumbent Gary Abbott, and Kimble is wary of an upturn in form from the division one north strugglers, despite their 3-0 defeat against visiting Thurrock on Tuesday night.

He said: “It’s going to be a tough game against Cray.

“They have got a new manager and the players will be wanting to impress.

“The position the club is in, it looks like they may go down next season.

“I’m not saying they will but the players will want to put themselves in the shop window to either attract another team or secure their place at the club for the next season.

“So it is going to be tough.

“Every game is tough now and any team can beat anyone."