CARL Macauley concedes that he will have to innovate again ahead of a crucial run of matches for Witton Albion.

He is sweating on the fitness of three players – Cesaire, James Foley and Will Jones – ahead of a home date with Bamber Bridge on Saturday.

And he has also seen Liam Goulding return to Altrincham after a month-long loan spell ended.

The 22-year-old has been an influential figure during an improved run of performances that continued with a 1-1 draw at promotion-hopefuls Gainsborough Trinity last weekend.

READ > Gainsborough 1-1 Witton: match report

“We’ll miss Liam’s presence and his composure,” said Macauley.

“It’s a blow because he can play in more than one position and that gives us both balance and cover when others have been missing.

“To have had him for another few weeks would have been ideal.

“What it does mean is we’ll have to tweak what we’ve been doing and figure out what’s best for us.”

He could have done without a headache caused by Cesaire limping out of a Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup encounter with Winsford United on Tuesday night.

READ > Witton 2-2 Winsford: match report

Foley was already watching from the main stand after an ankle injury ended early his involvement at Gainsborough while Jones is still recovering from a heavy fall during an FA Trophy exit at Leamington.

Macauley’s mood wasn’t lifted either by watching his side, who won the competition last season, surrender a two-goal lead against Blues before losing a penalty shoot-out.

Albion’s focus turns back to the Northern Premier League and a testing schedule as they seek to climb the table from a lowly 18th place.

However they have at least four games in hand on the teams above them.

“The games coming up are important,” said Macauley.

“However I’ll never look at one and say we’ll try to prioritise it over another.

“That’s not how I think and I’ve always preached respect towards every opponent.

“We’ll be ready for Bamber Bridge – that’s our immediate concern.”

READ > Witton v Bamber Bridge: preview

Albion have won only one of their past five Premier Division fixtures at Wincham Park, a record they are keen to improve.

However impressive displays on the road at Buxton, Leamington and then Gainsborough over the past fortnight have boosted confidence, according to Macauley.

He added: “It was a great point [at Gainsborough].

“We rode our luck because they had opportunities to win the game, but we dug deep and battled against a side that is flying high.

“Maybe it was our turn because Leamington got away with it the week before!”