Threave Rovers finally return to action with a trip to league leaders Thorn Athletic.
Danny Dunglinson’s side have played just once in the past two months due to the weather and the festive period.
And now their first game sees them go to a side 11 points ahead of them in the West of Scotland League’s third division – although Threave have four games in hand.
Dunglinson said: “It’s not ideal being the first game back but they’re in the same boat, although they’ve played four more league games than us. They’ve played more but they haven’t played any more recently.
“We played them the first game of the season, we were 2-0 up and ended up drawing 2-2.
“In the first half we were well on top, we just couldn’t get that third goal and hit the post. They came back into it and probably deserved a draw in the end.
“They went on a really good run and didn’t lose until a couple of games ago – and that was 7-6 so it was a bit of a freak result.”
Ironically after so long without a game, Threave have two matches planned on Saturday.
As well as their league fixture, they are also due to host Stranraer in the South of Scotland Challenge Cup.
Dunglinson said: “The 20s will play in the cup – it’ll be a good experience for them.
“They had one against Nithsdale so it’s another good test for them.
“Since we played Stranraer in the Scottish Cup we’ve played four games – and the Stranraer game was in October.
“A lot of teams are in the same boat, there’s not much we can do.
“We have 20 games still to play so I imagine come March we’ll have midweek games.”
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Threave will have to make do without Charlie Maxwell, whose loan deal from Annan Athletic has ended, but Niall Rogerson’s deal from Queen of the South has been extended until the summer despite it appearing he was heading to Gretna 2008.
Ross Irving will miss out with a foot injury and Charlie Watson is also set for a spell on the sidelines as he continues his battle against cancer.
Dunglinson added: “We probably need someone in if Charlie is going to be out for a prolonged period and Ross still being a couple of weeks before he even does anything as he won’t be fully fit when he comes back..
“If you bring in players on loan their parent club expect him to play games. It’s not that easy as when Ross comes back we’ll be expecting him to back in the team.
“It’s hard trying to find a player happy to come along and only play for a month or two or be part of the squad and not play every week.
“If something comes up we’ll try, if not we’ll make do and make use of the under-20s.”