Wealdstone manager Gordon Bartlett admits their mounting fixture congestion caused by the bad weather is making their promotion challenge much harder.

The Stones had two more matches postponed due to waterlogged pitches this week and Wealdstone have five games in hand on Ryman Premier Division leaders Maidstone United.

Bartlett said: “I still think there is some bad weather to come and it is certainly making our task of getting promotion more difficult.

“It is a balancing act between working too hard and not working hard enough. But our fitness levels are understandably waning at the moment.”

Bartlett added: “We are four or five games behind teams in front of us. But it’s only nice to have games in hand when you get the points. We are playing catch up and it’s difficult when you are striving to be successful.

“But we will deal with it the best we can because whinging will not make a blind bit of difference.

“We are still focused on trying to get promoted this year and that won’t change despite the weather.”

The Stones were due to host Lowestoft Town last weekend in the league and AFC Hayes in the County Cup on Tuesday until the weather intervened.

Bartlett’s side visit Thamesmead Town this Saturday before hosting AFC Hornchurch, who thrashed them 6-1 in October, on Monday.

The Stones boss said: “It won’t be easy against Thamesmead despite their league position.

“I watched them last week and they gave a good account of themselves.

“When we played Hornchurch earlier this season we caught a massive cold.

“That still hurts and we will do everything in our power to turn the tables on them.”

Wealdstone’s advanced FA Charter Standard Community Club status renewal has been successful for another year.

Harrow Borough also did not play this week and Dave Anderson’s side face a daunting trip to league leaders Maidstone United this weekend.