ALTRINCHAM boss Phil Parkinson will be hoping last weekend's unexpected break from action will see his side fresh for Saturday's FA Trophy tie at Warrington Town.

The Robins travel to Cantilever Park to take on fellow Evo-Stik Premier title contenders Warrington, having already come through three qualifying rounds, defeating Clitheroe, Ramsbottom United and Alfreton.

As well as making progress on the field, the run has also earned the club £12,250 in prize money in the process and there is a further £6,000 up for grabs on Saturday for the victors.

The teams drew 0-0 in a league encounter in October on a freezing cold and wet afternoon at Warrington and the conditions could be similar on Saturday.

The Robins dominated the game but could not find that elusive goal on the day to take all three points and Parkinson will be hoping things go better this weekend.

However he has selection issues to ponder prior to the trip.

Mason Walsh will miss the game due to his suspension for being sent off at Mossley in the Integro League Cup but James Poole has recovered from his thigh injury, sustained in the last round at Alfreton, and Sean Miller has returned from his successful loan spell at Colne.

The game comes after a blank weekend for the Robins after their top-of-the-table Evo-Stik Premier clash with Shaw Lane was postponed last Saturday.

The match referee deemed the pitch unplayable when he carried out a 10 o’clock inspection.

While there had been snow overnight, the heavy rain earlier in the week meant parts of the pitch were waterlogged.

It meant Alty were denied the opportunity to stretch their advantage over their Barnsley-based rivals, who remain three points behind the table-topping Robins with two games in hand.

Only two Evo-Stik Premier fixtures survived last weekend with Workington continuing their improved recent form and establishing themselves as genuine challengers with a 3-0 victory over Mickleover Sports, moving them into a play-off position.

Meanwhile, two of the emerging young players from the Robins reserves have gone on a month’s loan to gain first-team experience.

Winger Darius Palma has joined Kidsgrove Athletic, while left-back Tom Westall has signed on dual registration with Alsager Town.