DARREN Edwards is hopeful of having half-a-dozen of his Yate Town squad back in action for the visit of Shortwood United on Saturday in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West after admitting the last few weeks since he took over as interim player-manager have been ‘a struggle’.

The Bluebells have been decimated with unavailability, suspensions and injuries over the past fortnight, with Edwards saying they just about managed to get 11 players on the pitch for the 1-0 Bank Holiday Monday defeat at Larkhall Athletic.

But with some strength returning, the striker, who took over the reigns when Craig Laird resigned as manager this month, is hopeful that Yate can string a few results together towards the end of a season where they are certain to finish mid-table.

The non-league transfer window slammed shut as well last week so there is no chance of Edwards being able to bring in more players to cover future sticky problems like the recent ones.

However, Lewis Powell will be available for the Shortwood game. That is good for Edwards but a shame that Powell is not on his way to becoming a professional footballer.

He has been training with Championship side Bristol City but was told recently that, while he was very close to getting an Academy deal with them, he was unsuccessful.

Edwards said: “He was very close but they only have so many lads they can take on. We are pleased for him to be back but disappointed for him personally. It’s definitely not the end of the road for Lewis. He is a lot better player than some others I have come across.”

Yate gained just one point from their weekend league clashes against struggling Burnham, which they drew 0-0 on Saturday, and Larkhall.

Edwards added: “It’s a big call when you have eight players out of your squad. Nigel (Hawkins, Director of Football) has been a great help with players from the youth team who have come up to the senior side.

“It has just been about numbers. We still want to win games and it’s not a case that we have gone into games saying we have young lads and we may lose. It’s no fun losing but we have been so stretched.

“If I am going to Larkhall with a strong 11 players, I am there to win. It’s been a real effort for the boys. Ideally, I would want to put one or two young players in the team at a time but we have had to put six in.”

Along with Powell, Jake Cox, Nathan Gore, Lewis Hogg and Josh Ford should all be available to face Shortwood.

Edwards praised the players who have been drafted in from different quarters while the player availability problems have struck. “A lot of the lads who have come in have put in great shifts. I cannot fault her efforts.”

Meanwhile, Edwards has met with Yate Town chairman Colin Pick for discussions the future.