THE double call-off for Maldon and Tiptree was both good and bad for manager Steve Ball.

The Jammers’ Ryman League north home game against leaders AFC Sudbury on Saturday and their match away at Thamesmead Town on Monday night fell foul of the wet weather.

Both the Park Drive and Bayliss Avenue pitches failed inspections leading to both being postponed.

New manager Ball has therefore only had one game in charge of Maldon, their 2-1 derby win over Heybridge Swifts.

However, Ball doesn’t think that is too much of a bad thing.

He said: “Yes I’d like to be playing games but these postponements have come at a good time for me.

“It’s given me the opportunity to have at least four or five training sessions with the lads.

“It’s given me the chance to have a look at the players and introduce some new signings into the squad.

“You can’t beat playing games and it is a bit frustrating that we have had the double call-off but it has given me more time with the players.

“I did organise another training session on Monday night to make up for the postponed game.”

The Jammers next game, weather permitting, will be Saturday’s match at Park Drive against Dereham Town.

And with the lack of matches, Ball’s side is injury-free and raring to go.

He said: “I have a full squad for Saturday’s game.

“With the postponements any of the injury doubts have now cleared up.

“It’s got to the point where I may have to leave some of the players out of the squad for the weekend.

“But we are in a place now where we have a good strength in depth in the squad.”

Looking ahead to the weekend’s match, Ball knows that Dereham will prove to be difficult opponents.

Saturday’s visitors have had a great run of games and Ball is hoping his side is up for the challenge.

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

“Dereham are in some good form at the moment.

“They are unbeaten in eight games, winning six of them.

“They will be a tough nut to crack but I am confident that with a full squad we can give it a go.”