CHORLEY FC manager Matt Jansen insists his side’s involvement in cup competitions can be good for the Victory Park outfit.

Speaking ahead of the news of Chorley’s FA Trophy tie against Stafford Rangers was postponed at the 2.30pm pitch inspection, ex-Blackburn Rovers ace Jansen was looking forward to success away from the Vanarama National League too.

The frozen pitch means a few tweaks to the Magpies fixture schedule as the FA Trophy tie will now take place on December 6 while a new date for their Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy tie against Daisy Hill will be re-arranged.

Jansen said: “It is nice because we were disappointed to go out of the FA Cup as when you are in the cup competitions they bring in some more money which can be beneficial.

“So we will be approaching the Stafford Rangers game as positive as we can.

“We also have Daisy Hill coming up in the FA Challenge Trophy and we have a great record in that competition and want to keep that up.”

The prize for the winners of the Stafford Rangers tie is a home fixture against National League struggler Guiseley.

Another impressive record which Jansen will be keen to hold onto is that they have one of the best defensive records in England this season behind Bolton, Brighton and Maidenhead - after only conceding 14 times.

Jansen said: “We have been working on that from the back end of last season.

“Sam Allardyce once told us that if you don’t concede then you won’t lose games.

“So we have shored up the defence and got a good squad which is another reason for the clean sheets.

“It is about how we are set up and our formation which is helping.

“We know that Teaguey (Andrew Teague) and Kieran (Charnock) are quality players and then we have added Scott Leather, Stephen Jordan and Nathan Sheron has joined us from Fleetwood on loan.

“With Sam (Ashton) out injured then Shaun Rowley has done a great job in goal then our wingbacks Matt Challoner and Adam Blakeman have been good.”

Jansen admits he is edging closer to having a fully-fit squad to pick from.

He said: “Sefton (Gonzales) is pretty much there after his niggle and Teaguey and Kieran are probably a week to 10 days away then we need to give them some time to get their match fitness up.

“It will be probably the end of the first week in December before they can return.

“Sam is still out but that is the only person missing.”

Meanwhile, fans can go to watch the Boxing Day tie against league leaders AFC Fylde on coach travel provided. Contact 01257 230007 for more information.