SCOTT Redhead is desperate to see Holker Old Boys return to action after missing out in recent weeks because of the horrendous wintry weather conditions.

Like for so many clubs, football has been at a premium and Redhead wlll be keeping his fingers crossed that it will be game on against North West Counties Division One cellar-dwellers Whitchurch Alport at Rakesmoor Lane tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

The Stags managed to get in a friendly at Longridge on their 3G pitch two weeks ago and after a dozen games they sit seventh in the table.

They will be keen to kick-start their campaign starting against an Alport side who have secured just one league victory and conceded 54 goals so far.

Redhead’s team are at home in three of their next four matches after Saturday and victory against Alport could be just the warming tonic they need to shake off the winter blues and hopefully go on a successful run.

“We last played competitively I believe in the middle of December against Colne, we have had friendly since, it’s no good,” said Redhead. “The fitness levels are good but it is just that match fitness.”

That recent friendly should help in Holker’s preparation for Alport, with Redhead adding: “As long as we hit the road running and start the game well and bright then I don’t see us having a problem against anybody. But there is always that question of the mental strain of the lads and how sharp you really are when you have had a lay-off of seven or eight weeks.

“We just want to get on with playing games again.”

Mike Rushton will be back in contention after shaking off an ankle injury but keeper Ollie Bell is still out with a wrist problem with Ross Liddicott stepping in between the sticks. Striker Jordan Brough is also unavailable because of work commitments.

A lot of onus will be on Chris Wraighte, who Redhead rates highly, and Holker will be also looking to John Paul Stanway, the emerging Ben Robello and Rushton.

Redhead said: “I knew what I was getting with Chris when I signed him and he’s not disappointed me. I would probably rate him as the best winger in the league.

“JP Stanway is very clever around the box, Ben Robello, has come up from the reserves, Mike Rushton is back from injury which is a plus, so he will be involved on Saturday.

“Mike’s experience is second to none, he’s played at a higher level and knows what it’s about, he will be valuable to us.”

Looking ahead to tomrrow’s match Redhead added: “As long as the rain keeps off we should be good to go. You always like to think you get your three points from the home games and that’s no different for us. If we could get four wins out of four then we would be well and truly back on track, but let’s get Saturday’s game on and hopefully go on a run.”