CONSECUTIVE postponements mean Chorley have not had the ideal preparation for their FA Trophy second round game against FC United of Manchester on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

The Magpies should have played at Stalybridge Celtic on December 28, at Bradford Park Avenue on New Year’s Day and hosted Oxford City on Sunday but all three games were called off.

Therefore, Chorley’s much anticipated trophy tie will be their first game of 2015.

Their last game was a Boxing Day 2-1 win over Bradford Park Avenue, with Josh Hine scoring both goals.

Meanwhile, there have been more changes at Ramsbottom United following the departure of management duo Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley for Salford City with long-serving Phil Dean announcing that he is leaving the club.

Dean tweeted: “After six years, 265 games, not enough goals and a lot of yellow cards I’m gutted to say I’m leaving Ramsbottom United.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better club to have started out at. The managers, lads and obviously the unbelievable supporters that follow us everywhere.

“I’ve not got a bad word to say about the club. It’ll always be the first result I look for.”

Dom Smalley has also left the Rams after five years.