Time off isn't ideal preparation for Iron to face Alfreton

Games being postponed through a combination of the weather and other teams’ cup competition commitments mean the Iron have played just twice – two FA Trophy games against Ebbsfleet United – since their 2-1 league defeat by Forest Green Rovers on January 17.

The lack of action isn’t Devonshire’s ideal scenario as he likes his players to stay sharp by playing regularly and he is hoping they will get straight back up to speed when they host Alfreton Town at the Miles Smith Stadium today (kick-off 3pm).

He said: “We’ve got Bernard Mensah coming in and he played last week for Watford’s development side, while our boys haven’t had any action since the Trophy replay at Ebbsfleet.

“It’s certainly not an ideal situation for us as part-time players need to play games to keep their match fitness. It is a bit of a worry, but we’ve got the home game on Saturday then a run of three tough away games (at Halifax, Bristol Rovers and Grimsby) in a week after that.”

Devonshire said skipper Kenny Davis would be fit to face Alfreton after coming off in the FA Trophy defeat at Ebbsfleet with a dead leg, but Dan Sparkes, who also came off during that game after receiving a gash to his right ear, may be a doubt. Sparkes needed stitches to his ear after the injury and Devonshire said the fixture on Saturday may be too soon for the wound.

Full-back Ryan Peters is another who is doubtful for the weekend.

He missed the Trophy replay through illness and while he has returned to training this week, the Iron boss said he had felt a problem in his back and may miss out.

Devonshire also added that a member of his squad may head out on a loan deal.

He added: “There will be no-one else coming in now we’ve got Bernard (Mensah) on board, but I may need to loan someone out to make sure the squad is balanced.

“It will be only one player going out, though, and it will be on our terms so we’ll see how we go with it.”