LEE Duckworth says he is close to having the squad he wants at Winsford United.

While rivals have been idle after persistent rain ruined any chance of them playing, the Blues’ boss has been busy.

He has signed defensive duo Adam Bayley and Steve Jenyons, who makes the step up from Cheshire League title favourites Knutsford, in the past week.

“We’ve an eye on one or two others, but this is pretty much the group we want for the rest of the season,” said Duckworth.

“When I write down what I think is my best team, I’m encouraged by how strong it looks on paper.

“It’s exciting – what we need now are some games so they can play together.”

Neither of his new recruits took part in a 7-2 friendly win against Rudheath at Middlewich Leisure Centre on Saturday, when six different players scored.

Ryan Mellor bagged a brace.

Duckworth said: “It was positive, we took a lot from it.

“We’re telling the lads to play the right way, and they’ve responded so far.”

The Winsford boss admits a sequence of four postponements in the past month has hampered progress.

A 5-1 defeat at title favourites Runcorn Linnets marks Blues’ only competitive outing since December 5.

It is longer still since they played in front of their own fans.

Duckworth added: “It’s like you’re back at zero.

“We’re frustrated like everybody else, particularly as we’d played so well to beat Alsager.

“We then had three weeks without a game before going to Runcorn Linnets, which did us no favours.

“It feels like pre-season because I’m sending lads out pounding the streets to stay fit and arranging friendlies in case our games are called off.”

Winsford are scheduled to visit West Didsbury this weekend, when Danny Egan is available again after a ban.

Kick off is at 3pm.