VINCE Overson is using the cushion of games in hand as a comfort blanket for his Ramsbottom United squad.

The postponement of their home game with Alsager Town on Saturday leaves them with 15 league games and a minimum of two more League Challenge Cup ties to cram into the final two months of the season.

With only Congleton Town having played less North West Counties League Division One matches, Ramsbottom's position of 17th is scarcely a reflection of their performance.

And manager Overson has acknowledged as much by refusing to let his players feel pressured by the situation.

He said: "We've got dragged down towards the bottom of the table because we have so many games in hand but I've told the players not to panic.

"If they come down and enjoy playing we'll pick points up.

"We haven't had any continuity since I came here really. Not playing many games means the lads have taken time to get used to me and the way I work.

"But we have come to a happy medium now and understand each other. I'm happy that they seem happy."

Saturday's postponement denied Ramsbottom the chance to continue the momentum built up last week by consecutive victories over the two Atherton sides but they hope to return to action tonight when Stone Dominoes visit the Riverside.