SHILDON manager Gary Forrest is hoping that his side’s enforced lay-off won’t affect their chances in their much-delayed third round FA Carlsberg Vase tie against Midland Alliance leaders Coalville.

The Railwaymen have a tough enough task against a team who have won all but four of their league games this season, but the bad weather has also hampered their preparations.

“We were hoping to play at Benfield on Monday, but that was postponed,” said Forrest.

“That meant we hadn’t played since before Christmas, and Coalville played on Monday.

We’ve still managed to train two or three times a week.

“We’ve had a report about Coalville, but we’re not going to worry too much. I’m more concerned about the way we play. We need to make them worry about us.”

Midfielder Danny Richmond is suspended, while defender Gary Brown, midfielder Bobby Moore and defender Mark Foster need fitness tests.

The other Northern League teams make a fourth attempt to play their ties, with the fourth round just a fortnight away.

Holders Whitley Bay play AFC Liverpool at Hillheads.

Keeper Terry Burke returns, but striker Glenn Taylor is unable to play as he appeared for Ashington earlier in the competition. Defender Chris Fawcett returns.

Dunston are at home to Heather St Johns from Leicestershire.

Manager Billy Irwin adds defender Kane Young and striker Andy Bulford to his squad.

Billingham Synthonia’s trip to Hereford to play Westfields has been put back 24 hours to tomorrow.

Synners have several concerns to consider before they name their side.

They welcome back midfielder Andy Harbron, while forwards James Magowan and Colin Iley should return after illness.

Mark Scott, Tommy Marron, Michael Jameson and Adam Clough are injured, while Dan Newby will have a fitness test.

Ashington have a tough tie at another Midland Alliance side, Dunkirk in Nottinghamshire, and are without defender Paul Dunn.