Bethnal Green united manager Justin Gardner fears his side could have to play up to four games a week as the weather once again wreacked havoc on their fixture program this past week

Bethnal Green united manager Justin Gardner fears his side could have to play up to four games a week as the weather once again wreacked havoc on their fixture program this past week.

The Greens' league match with Barking at Mayesbrook Park was called off on Saturday morning, while their Gordon Brasted quarter-final encounter against Barkingside on Monday also fell victim to the weather.

And with the Essex Senior League adamant that the league season must be finished by the end of April, the pressure is really on.

"It is worrying because the quality of football will certainly be affected if we end up playing three or four games in a week," said Gardner.

"Saturday was disappointing because it was the council, not the referee or the club that called the game off, so I can't see them playing for a while if the pitch is in that bad a state.

"It shows you the importance of having a strong squad and I am lucky that I have 20 really good players. I will have to juggle the team around at times and at the moment everyone apart from Joel Gallimore is fit."

United are set to face Takeley in the League Cup semi-final first leg on Saturday and the boss is desperate to keep his side's good momentum going as they head towards the business end of their league campaign.

"We are 11 games unbeaten and in good form so it is so important we keep going and apply ourselves to win every game," Gardner said.

"I'm looking forward to the game, but it will be very tough game at their place. We beat them 2-0 earlier in the season, but I suspect they have a completely different team now, so we go into the match not too sure what to expect, but as long as we don't lose on Saturday I am very confident we can beat them at our place."

And the boss was keen to talk up the talents of his players ahead of the game as they look to push for their first semi-professional trophy.

"Kadir Jama is in the form of his life and he will be key for us this weekend," Gardner said.

"Full backs have no idea how to play him right now, while Anton Stephenson can't stop scoring, he has hit six in a week. I know it sounds odd, but he can play better though and I say that because I know how good a player he is and can be.