SWINDON Supermarine manager Dave Webb is praying that the recent heavy rain does not give way to a cold snap as his side’s fixture list continues to become more and more congested.

Marine are hopeful of playing their first home game in four weeks this evening, when Shortwood United visit the Webb’s Wood Stadium in Southern League Division One South & West, and the clash marks the first of a run of 19 matches in 65 days for Webb’s men between now and the end of the season.

After conditions dried up in the region over the weekend, the playing surface at South Marston has been given time to recover and is considered fit for purpose but Webb is concerned that the deluges of the past two months will be followed by the freezing conditions which have plagued non-league football over the past two campaigns.

“It doesn’t seem to change year on year. We had the same problem last year and you can only hope that’s the end of it now. Dare I say it, we haven’t had the cold weather yet,” said Webb. “Let’s hope that stays away because if that comes in then we are going to be in trouble.

“If you look at our calendar now right the way through until the end of the season we’ve only got one midweek where we haven’t got a game.

“It’s full on so we can’t really afford any more to be off then you’re into four-game-a-week territory, which I don’t think anyone wants. That becomes totally farcical.”

Webb is hopeful his squad will be able to deal with a game every four days between now and April 26, as they pursue a place in the play-offs.

However, he will have to do without Kyle Lapham (calf) for the visit of Shortwood, while Chris Taylor will be assessed prior to kick-off.

“It’s going to be tough for everyone, especially the players. As a manager you have to get organised and figure out what you’re going to do but players have to turn up and perform game after game after game.

“I’m sure every player in the squad will have ample gametime in the remaining 19 games because we’re going to have to use our whole squad to manage tiredness and injuries. Fatigue is going to come into it.”