EVESHAM United could face playing four games in eight days over the New Year weekend -- after their FA Umbro Trophy second round tie at Cinderford Town was postponed last night for a FIFTH time.

The new date for the clash is likely to be Wednesday, January 3, with the Robins already scheduled to play on December 30, January 1 and January 6.

United were left fuming last night after the game was postponed by the match referee because of a waterlogged pitch just 45 minutes before the scheduled kick-off time, despite the pitch having passed two inspections earlier in the day.

Evesham secretary Mike Peplow said: "Both teams and both managers wanted to play but the referee wouldn't have it. He said he couldn't take it on -- if anyone got injured it would be on his shoulders."

The winners will entertain Ryman League Premier Division side Harrow Borough in the third round on January 13.

Evesham begin their Christmas programme in the Dr Martens League Western Division with a home game against Weston-super-Mare tomorrow (3pm), and will be looking to get their promotion push back on track after last week's 1-0 home defeat against leaders Bilston Town.

But manager Phil Mullen believes it will be a tough game for his fourth-placed side against lowly Weston. He said: "They have had some good results recently and changed things round a bit.

"But we are confident. Although we slipped up last week we played well and have been playing well for a few games."

United, who travel to Solihull Borough on Boxing Day morning, must make fitness checks on defender Paul West (back) and striker Shaun Pratt (dead leg). Dean Roberts may return to the starting line-up in attack.

Evesham (from): Beattie, Smith, Pendleton, West, Powell, Deakin, Wolsey, McCartan, Roberts, Taylor, Preedy, Licata, Parmenter, Brown, Davies, Pratt.