THE relentlessness of the Northern Premier League schedule does not leave much time for recuperation.
As such, Warrington Town manager Mark Beesley says they must make their chance to rest count having had a rare quiet week.
This has been the first week since the season started that Town have not had a midweek fixture, meaning more time on the training ground can be had.
The Saturday-Tuesday schedule starts up again this coming week, with FC United of Manchester visiting Cantilever Park today, kick off 3pm, before a trip to Bamber Bridge on Tuesday, kick off 7.45pm.
Yellows’ small squad has been boosted by the return of Mitch Duggan from a lengthy suspension which stemmed from his sending-off during last season’s play-off final loss to Scarborough Athletic, while midfielder Sean Williams is likely to return after missing the FA Cup defeat at Hyde United for family reasons.
> Click here to read Mark Beesley's thoughts on Mitch Duggan's return from suspension
“We’ve got a small squad – Mitch Duggan is back now so that takes us up to 17,” Beesley said.
“We’ve played the first 10 games with 15 or 16 players, so a lot of the lads have played a lot of minutes.
“This week gives us the chance not only to have a physical break but a mental break.
“The Saturday-Tuesday runs are tough and you’re always looking at the next game, so its important we have a little bit of a rest, work on things in training and get ready for a tough run of games.”
A large crowd is expected at Cantilever Park this afternoon, with FC United known for bringing with them a sizeable travelling support.
Town will be grateful for a return to home comforts having played six of their 10 games in all competitions away from home.
With four of their next five league games on home soil, Beesley has stressed the importance of entertaining their fans having been somewhat goal-shy for much of the campaign.
“We’re glad to be at home and in familiar surroundings,” he said.
“It’s important we try and pick up as many points at home as we can, for the fans as well as ourselves.
“We’ve had some long away trips but the support we’ve had has been fantastic and we thank them for it.
“Hopefully, they will turn out in their numbers over the next few games and it’s important we’re ready to entertain them.”
On Saturday’s opposition, he said: “I think they’re a good team – they’re well coached and I really like the way they play.
“They’ve got some good players and in Regan Linney, they’ve got one of the outstanding forwards in the league.
“They’re always there or thereabouts and they bring a big support, which you want to play in front of.
“FC United are a massive club at our level and it’s important we embrace the challenge.”
“You have to look forward to playing in front of a big crowd because it’s nice to do it.”
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