MATTY Ward believes 1874 Northwich are not at a disadvantage despite still having half of their league matches to play.

No rival has completed fewer fixtures in the North West Counties League top flight, but the attacker says his teammates have been glad to take a break following recent postponements.

Three of their past five scheduled Premier Division matches have been called off.

“We needed a breather,” he said.

“The run-up to Christmas took a lot out of us, and the lads are feeling refreshed now.

“Obviously we don’t want to go too long without playing, particularly as we’re champing at the bit to get back to winning ways after a bad run of results.

“I’d rather play later in the season when the pitches are better, even if that’s more often.

“We’re raring to go now, and it was disappointing not to play [against Ashton Athletic] last Saturday.

“They’re doing well, and a big game like that would have been a perfect chance to get back on track.”

1874 are not scheduled to play today Saturday, and return to action in a Cheshire FA Senior Cup last 16 tie against Crewe Alexandra’s under 21s at Gresty Road on Tuesday, kick off 7.45pm.

They have another 20 Premier Division games, plus a Mid-Cheshire FA Senior Cup semi final against Witton Albion next month, to fit into a busy calendar too.

Ward said: “There’s a lot to play for, and we’ve not given up hope we can catch the teams ahead of us.

“But rather than worry too much about the table, our priority is to start winning again.

“We need to avoid looking too far ahead.

“There hasn’t been a lot wrong with our performances – penalty misses aside – but the gaffer is right when he says we need to be more clinical, more composed, in front of goal.

“We can’t always blame the pitch, or the conditions, though when the playing surface has been poor then we seem to drop down to the level of other teams.

“I think that’s what happened on Boxing Day when we lost to Winsford. It really spoilt the game.”

Ward, picked as North West Counties League Premier Division player of the year while with Blues in 2012, is adjusting to playing in attack with new signing Steve Foster while 21-goal leading scorer Matthew Beadle recovers from a knee injury.

Foster, 32, arrived from Warrington Town earlier this month.

“We’ve missed [Matthew] Beadle too; he’s been in great form this season, and is capable of that bit of magic that can get us a goal from nothing,” said Ward.

“His movement is so good, which is great for a player like me when I’m on the ball and looking to pick somebody out.

“We get on well, and I understand him now as a player and a person.

“It’s been a bit stop-start for Fozzie, which hasn’t helped him settle in.

“We’ve seen his quality in training – he just needs to get off the mark.”