Returning stars lift Blues

Leek Town manager Lee Casswell reckons he’s sick of the arctic weather but relieved that almost three weeks without a game has given all but one of his Blues casualties the time to recover, writes Michael Cope.

Midfielder Anthony Danylyk and central defender Michael Thomas both trained last week with the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South Blues and only Tom Urwin is a ‘doubt’ for Saturday’s visit of Lincoln United to Harrison Park.

Temperatures are rising but Casswell is still frustrated after the weekend’s postponed game at Chasetown left him having to organise yet another round of circuit training at a local gym.

Casswell said: "It's been difficult to organise training sessions during the enforced break and we’re due to miss our scheduled game at home to Sheffield on Tuesday because they have a re-arranged Cup game on the same date. We've had enough of circuit training and so I hope to fix up a training game on Wednesday to get us back in the swing of things.

The Blues still have 21 league game to play and he added: "February's games are now coming thick and fast but one bonus the weather has brought is time for the injured players to recover with only Tom Urwin doubtful for the Lincoln game next Saturday.”

Leek Town Chairman Andy Wain praised his manager and the club's back-room staff for their efforts to ensure the squad is ready to return to action in the best possible shape.

He said: "The management team has done a first class job keeping the spirit up in the squad so full credit to Lee and his assistants. Tuesday's game at home to Sheffield being postponed because of their cup commitments hasn't helped the back-room staff but I know they will be planning well for the home game against Lincoln next Saturday."