CINDERFORD Town's friendly away at Broadwell on Tuesday night was postponed because the hosts could not raise a strong enough team.

Instead, Cinderford had a full training session at The Causeway to prepare them for this Saturday's opening Southern League clash at home to Didcot Town (3pm).

It was hardly ideal, but player/coach Danny Haines believes the Foresters are ready for the serious stuff anyway.

He told The Forester: "We've had a couple of pre-season cancellations but we've got a fit, young team and the spirit is excellent.

"The likes of Shortwood and Goytre have provided us with tough matches and we won them both.

"There are no big stars here, but the players work hard for each other and they want to do well for the manager (Steve Peters).

"I think we'll be more organised on the field this year, but because we've got so many young players we know they'll make mistakes.

"We've set our sights on being around the play-offs."

Cinderford will be without Nick McCootie for the first three league matches of the season due to suspension.

Will Loughman, who showed up well in pre-season, has also opted to join Cirencester Town.

Haines said: "I think Steve is looking for another striker but I'm not sure whether we'll get anyone in by Saturday.

"We've got Mike Whittington and Lewis Sommers is back off his honeymoon, though I don't know how fit he is."

At 32, Haines is now Town's oldest player.

The former Mangotsfield left-back's experience will be vital this season, but he says it's time for some of the youngsters to grab more responsibility.

He said: "If myself and Brad Andrews aren't playing one of the 23 or 24-year-olds might find they are the oldest.

"It shouldn't be a problem because some of them have been playing at this level for three or four seasons. They can step up to the mark."

Cinderford will also be in league action next Tuesday evening, August 16, away at Stourport Swifts.