SAFFRON Walden Town FC players will be enjoying a mini-break this Christmas. The Bloods were due to play Hadleigh United at Catons Lane on Saturday, but the match was called off on Friday night due to a frozen pitch. Recent wet weather had soaked the play

SAFFRON Walden Town FC players will be enjoying a mini-break this Christmas.

The Bloods were due to play Hadleigh United at Catons Lane on Saturday, but the match was called off on Friday night due to a frozen pitch.

Recent wet weather had soaked the playing surface, and the water then turned to ice with a couple of heavy frosts on the eve of the match.

This has given the Bloods a much needed rest over the festive period as their next Ridgeons League Division One game is at Downham Town on Saturday December 29.

"It will give us a break and an opportunity for the players to put their feet up," said assistant manager John Butchart.

"We opted not to have a game on Boxing Day this year and it will give everybody a breather. We've had a couple of games a week recently and have picked up a few injuries."

Although the Bloods have slipped to eighth in the table, they are only four points off second spot.

Butchart hopes the results over Christmas will go in Walden's favour so they will be able to make up some lost ground against third placed Downham Town.

Then on Wednesday, January 2 the Bloods host strugglers Long Melford, which will give the Bloods another chance to move up the table.

"We didn't want to over do it this year," added Butchart. "We are in quite a comfortable position in the league and if we get more players back from injury we will be in with a decent shout.

"I always said I wanted us to be there or there abouts over Christmas, and one game could put us in the top four.

"Downham will be in action over Christmas so we hope they slip up and we can take advantage when we meet."

The Bloods' extended break also means defender Dean Godden and midfielder Tommy Butchart are both in with a chance of returning from injury for the Downham match.