CARL Macauley believes Witton Albion’s squad is strong enough to cope with a demanding schedule.

That sequence starts with a trip to Chasetown tomorrow before a visit to Northern Premier League Division One South title-favourites Shaw Lane in midweek.

An FA Trophy clash with higher-ranked Boston United follows next weekend.

“We’re going to be challenged, but I think we’re ready,” said the Witton manager.

“It can be a scary prospect to have a fixture backlog looming, particularly if you have a small squad.

“We’re conscious of that, which is why we took a decision to make 10 changes for the league cup game at Glossop in midweek.

“It was the right moment for most of our lads to have a rest.

“Hopefully we’ll see the benefit of that on Saturday.”

He has moved quickly to find a replacement for Wes Benjamin, who left to re-join former club Clitheroe after scoring a decisive goal for Witton against Kettering last Saturday.

Northwich-based Scott Lycett, who made more than 20 appearances for Albion at the start of last term, has returned to Wincham Park after leaving Sutton Coldfield.

Macauley has been further boosted by Tranmere Rovers giving their blessing for teenage striker Tolani Omotola to extend his loan stay to a fourth month.

“They’re two bits of good news,” said the former Marine boss.

“We’ve worked flat out all week to strengthen the squad, and it’s a relief to have actually done that.”

Chasetown have risen to fourth in the table after collecting maximum points from six of their past nine league games.

However they did slip up at Sheffield last weekend.

The Scholars’ home form is impressive though, and they are unbeaten in front of their own supporters since the campaign’s opening day.

Macauley said: “We’ve been to watch them; they have capable guys in attack and a lot of experience in the middle of the field.

“They’ve been on a good run, so will be feeling good.

“Then again, so have we!”

Albion went down 3-1 at Belper on their previous outing, only a second defeat in the league this term.

It leaves them a points adrift of Saturday’s hosts, but with four games in hand.