FRUSTRATED Steve Davis admits Nantwich Town's pre-season has been hampered by injuries and a lack of availability.

The Dabbers backroom staff have been trying to run the rule over trialists at the same time as forming plans for their assault on the First Division South.

But with the likes of Phil Parkinson, Rob Hackney and Adam Beasley on holiday, and injuries to Richard Smith, Mark Fitton and Matt Blake, the mission is proving hard.

Defeats to lower-league opposition in Norton United and Winsford United last week under-lined the problem.

After the 4-3 reverse at Winsford, in which Danny Griggs, Andy Kinsey and Ged Courtney got second-half goals, Davis said: 'These games are very important but, when the whole of your squad are not available at any one time, it poses difficulties. We took 20 play-ers with us on Saturday but, the time has arrived to do some pruning.'

Nantwich were handicapped from the moment they arrived at the Barton Stadium when on-trial keeper Adam Wilkes failed to appear.

With regular keeper Hackney absent, defender Paul Donnelly and striker Courtney had to share the role between the sticks.

Slovakian striker Pavol Suhaj, who was released by Crewe Alex last month, was included in their line-up, as were on-loan Port Vale youngsters Charlie O'Loughlin and Ben Wilson. Wayne Teague got the consolation in the 3-1 defeat to Norton in midweek.

Davis said: 'Pavol is clearly short of match fitness but, hopefully he will stay on board and allow us to work with him.'

The Dabbers will entertain a Chester City XI tomorrow (7.45pm) at the Weaver Stadium in addition to their pre-season schedule, before Saturday's visit to Rossendale.

Meanwhile, new signing Michael Walsh and last-year's leading scorer Chris Budrys will definitely play for ALSAGER TOWN against a Stoke City XI on Friday (7.30pm).

Central defender Walsh, who was released by Port vale earlier this summer, and target man Budrys, will provide a boost for the Bullets as they prepare for the new campaign. Alsager travel to Leek Town the following day (3pm).