THE postponement of Saturday's game with Eastleigh was 'an early Christmas present' says Billericay Town manager Craig Edwards.
The Blues were struggling badly with illness and injuries meaning Edwards was struggling to field a strong starting XI.
The likes of Alton Thelwell (hamstring), Paul Rodgers (thigh), Craig Edwards junior (foot) and Rob Swaine (illness) were all touch and go for the fixture with Chris Wild and Junior Luke both suspended.
"If there was ever a game I wanted calling off it was Saturday," said Edwards.
"We'd have gone down there with 16 players and six or seven of them would have been really struggling.
"It's an early Christmas present and a bit of a blessing in disguise for us."
After four consecutive losses Town bounced back last weekend before last with a 2-0 victory against Bath City.
Edwards's side will now be looking to keep up the winning momentum this Saturday when they take on mid-table Eastbourne Borough at New Lodge.
It had been hoped an arranged friendly with Basildon United on Monday night would give the players a valuable run out but that game also fell foul of the elements.
And Edwards has questioned the decision to call the game off: "They offered us a game and it's not rained since we received the offer and it's not going to rain and they've called it off saying the pitch is waterlogged, that's disappointing but there you go."
There are no injury worries ahead of the weekend in a game that's set to be Nathan McDonald's last before he returns to Braintree Town after a month's loan.
The goalkeeper has been in excellent form since joining but it's unsure at this stage whether or not he will be returning to New Lodge.
"He's been brilliant for us," added Edwards. "We'll have to see what happens on that one."
Naturally Edwards has one eye on the big Boxing Day derby against his former club Chelmsford City.
Edwards left the Clarets under a cloud in 2006 after being released from his contract following 17 months in charge.
"As soon as the fixture list came out it's a game I've been looking forward to," he said. "I'll never forget the fans and the send off the game me. Let's just say there are some people at that club that are on my Christmas card list and some that aren't."
Nathan Green is back at the club after a successful loan spell at Kingstonian.
"He'll be available for us throughout the Christmas period which is a big boost," added Edwards.
