The Jaffas, who moved to third place and seven points with a 4-0 win over Valentine on Wednesday night, take on second-placed Broadmeadow at Edden Oval on Saturday in round five of the Northern NSW NPL.

The midweek victory was their best result of the season and followed a 2-2 draw with Olympic, 3-2 loss to Weston and 1-0 win over Lake Macquarie. It has been a slow start given the quality of the Jaffas roster and their recruitment of Kale Bradbery, Scott Pettit, Mitch Oxborrow, Matt Thompson and Riley McNaughton.

Pascoe said his team were in great shape before the season start was delayed because of COVID-19 but their battles with injuries in recent years led to a cautious approach to training leading into the return to play.

"It's been well documented our problems with injuries the past two seasons and coming from the lockdown period into the training environment with the COVID restrictions and no contact, I was super careful, and maybe too careful in regards to fitness," Pascoe said.

"That might have played a part in us having a bit of a slow start, but we're starting to look a little better, a little sharper, but I still think we've got about another 30 per cent improvement in us.

"Once we can eek that out of the boys, we'll be in a really good spot. There were better signs on Wednesday night and hopefully we can see that tomorrow if we get on."

Rain had put the match in doubt. Regardless, Jaffas will be without Finn Parris (ankle) and Michael Kantarovski (hamstring). Parris could be out for several weeks but Kantarovski's strain is minor. Luke Remington returns from suspension.

Broadmeadow will be without Alex Kantarovski after he injured his groin on Wednesday night in their 3-1 win over Olympic. However, Magic coach Anthony Richards expected Ryan Ensor to return from a groin problem.

Also Saturday, Olympic host Maitland at Darling Street Oval. The Magpies will be without James Thompson after he was sent off for referee abuse in Wednesday's 1-0 loss at Weston and given a two-game ban.

On Sunday, unbeaten leaders Edgeworth travel to Lake Macquarie and Weston host Charlestown Azzurri.

The Adamstown-Valentine clash on Sunday was postponed due to Rosebud losing three players to precautionary COVID-19 isolation.

TABLE: Edgeworth (12) Magic (9), Jaffas, Weston (7), Maitland (6), Olympic (5), Adamstown, Lakes (4), Azzurri, Valentine (1).

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