Bethnal Green United boss Justin Gardner failed to hide his frustration after Saturday s game with Barkingside was called off, meaning his side wont have another match until January

Bethnal Green United boss Justin Gardner failed to hide his frustration after Saturday's game with Barkingside was called off, meaning his side wont have another match until January.

With heavy snow falling over west Essex, the Greens' league cup quarter-final first leg tie at Oakside was called off at 9am and while the United manager had no qualms with the decision, the lack of a fixture left the former defender downbeat.

"We just need games right now to try and find our form and I was desperate for the game to go ahead. We are unbeaten in three but all those games have been draws so I wanted a win before Christmas to set us up," Gardner said.

"The whole league programme was called off and after seeing the weather I can see why."

The Greens were due to make the long trip to Southend Manor on Boxing Day, but with that game now called off, the East End clubs' next fixture won't be until Saturday, January 2, when they make the trip to league leaders Stansted.

"Obviously it is disappointing to have such a long break between games," Gardner said.

"I am lucky though in that I have a fit, young squad and nobody is overweight. However with the lack of match-practice and stamina, because we won't be able to train as well, that is a slight concern.

"We are also playing Stansted the first game back and as they are top of the league, there is no doubt it will be a tricky game for us."

Bethnal Green will start the game sixth in the table and although Gardner admitted he was obviously disappointed they were not on the top of the table, felt the first part of their inaugural Essex Senior campaign had been succesful.

"I am a perfectionist, but I have say that so far things have gone really well," he said.

There will be one player in particular who will be champing at the bit to play in that important fixture, and in turn, help his side reach the heights that the manager expects.

As Gardner revealed he has signed 19-year-old winger Joseph Chege from Essex Senior rivals Clapton.

"The lad can play on either wing and he really impressed me when we played them earlier in the 0season," the boss said.

"I brought him in because he has express pace, which is something I always look for.