Croydon Athletic manager Tim O'Shea admits going three weeks without a league game is "ridiculous".

Other teams cup commitments have seen a number of matches postponed since the Rams drew 1-1 with Eastbourne Town on September 19 meaning this Saturday's home game against second-placed Merstham is their first in 21 days.

"It's ridiculous to be honest with you," he said.

"The adverse weather is just around the corner where games will be called off naturally so there is going to be a backlog.

"Whether the league can help or not I don't know.

"There was one week where we called four or five other teams who were out of the cup and between us, be it the league or the clubs, we couldn't arrange a game and I find that hard to believe.

"We have played lots of friendlies in the meantime though so at least the lads have been able to keep their fitness levels up."

The Rams beat Bury Town 2-1 in the preliminary round of the FA Trophy on Saturday thanks to goals from Ben Godfrey and Dan Moody, setting up a first qualifying round tie with Ashford Town (Middlesex) on October 17.

Moody is a product of the Rams youth system and O'Shea was pleased with his progress this year.

"Dan's ahead of schedule," he said.

"We had a chat a little while back and we both agreed his target this year was to be around the first team around Christmas time but he came back in pre-season and did ever so well and he gives us something different.

"Now he is pretty much in the first team squad of 16 players and if we want to change things a little bit we can think of Dan Moody now."

Meanwhile John Munday and Karl Murray have both been told they can leave the club in search of first team football.

Croydon Athletic's next three matches: October 10 Merstham (h), 13 Leatherhead (a), 17 Ashford Town (Middlesex) (FA Trophy, h)