Skipper Gari Rowntree has handed Workington Reds a major boost as they head into a nightmare fixture pile-up.

Rowntree is hoping to start a match for the first time in over a month against Grantham Town tomorrow.

The left-back picked up a knee injury after their 2-0 win over Buxton on Saturday, December 5 and has only been fit enough for the bench in recent games.

But the 29-year-old made a brief cameo as a late substitute during last weekend's thumping 5-2 victory over Ashton United.

He said: "Obviously I've not been playing but I've done bits and bobs. It's nice to get back in training and all will be fine.

"I think I just jarred an old injury in my knee, but I can't rush it and I've just got to manage it.

"I was only on for a couple of minutes just to a kill a bit of time, but the lads did really well."

Despite sitting fifth in the league, the Reds face a major fixture pile-up due to the recent bad weather and this week only added to their woes.

This coming Tuesday's league match against Blyth will have to be rescheduled so they can fit in their cup match against Clitheroe which was called off for the third time midweek.

Derek Townsley's side face the prospect of playing at least twice a week well into next month to clear the backlog.

Rowntree admitted the postponements are frustrating and make their busy season even tougher.

He added: "We're not even sure if tomorrow's game will be on and there might be even more build up.

"It's hard for the lads when they're going to work and playing twice a week. Derek Townsley will use our squad and change it up as that's all we can do.

"It's difficult, especially for midweek away games. People have to put in half or quarter days at work, but the lads are used to it."

Tomorrow's opponents Grantham are lingering in mid-table, 15 points and 12 places below the Reds.

A victory for Workington would be their seventh on the road this season and could see them leapfrog Nantwich, having played fewer games.

Rowntree said: "Grantham are a good team, they're definitely a physical and direct team and most teams are very similar. But as long as we're on form we'll be fine."

The kick off at the South Kesteven Sports Stadium is at 3pm.