Jackson is not too concerned about fixture pile-up as Elks resume their promotion bid

COACH David Jackson is confident that Ilkeston's Midlands One East promotion push will not be adversely affected by a fixture backlog.

The Elks have had three blank weekend either side of Christmas due to the weather, along with most other sides in the division.

But Jackson is not overly concerned about getting the rearranged games played between now and the end of the season.

"There are still enough free weekends available for us to catch up, so as long as no more are postponed, it shouldn't be too much of a problem," he said.

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"One of the postponed matches was a rearranged one anyway, so we've only got two extra games to fit in.

"And the good thing for us is that they are both at home, so if they did end up having to be midweek matches, it's not as if we've got far to travel."

Now the snow has cleared, Ilkeston are hopeful of returning to action tomorrow – three weeks since their last game – away to Market Rasen & Louth.

"It has been a bit difficult for us, as we had to train indoors when the weather was bad," said Jackson.

"We managed to get back out on the training pitch for the first time on Tuesday night.

"The boys are chomping at the bit to get a game.

"We had got a nice bit of momentum going and, ideally, we would have kept playing.

"Now, it is almost like we have to start again but we're looking for the same sort of performances we were getting before the break."

The third-placed Elks are only one point off top spot, with a game in hand, having won five of their last six outings.

Market Rasen are 11th and ended a run of 11 straight league defeats last time out, with a 13-6 victory at home to Market Bosworth.

Ilkeston won 45-3 when the sides met at the Stute in October.

"I keep saying that playing a team at home and away is a completely different kettle of fish," said Jackson.

"So I'm expecting a tough game and it's important we impose ourselves on the game and play how we want to play.

"The forwards need to give us a solid base and if we get plenty of quick ball out to the backs, we know we can score tries."

The enforced break has allowed time for a few injuries to clear up and Jackson expects to have a fully fit squad available for this weekend's game.

Elsewhere in Midlands One East, Matlock are at home to Market Bosworth.

Alan Johnson's men are fifth in the table after three wins in a row – and only five points behind leaders Peterborough Lions.

Matlock won 27-20 at Market Bosworth earlier in the season.

The Leicestershire side have won four league games this term, losing 10 and drawing two.