The Silkmen returned to the UK late on Thursday having enjoyed a five day winter break in the sunshine ahead of this weekend's trip to Northampton.

The weather may have put paid to several games in the Football League already but Cobblers officials remain confident that their Sixfields pitch will survive the overnight drop in temperatures thanks to the extra covers that have been brought in.

So it was back on the coach again this afternoon for an overnight stop in readiness for tomorrow's crucial encounter, one that Gary Simpson is hoping will see his side record this first win since the Boxing Day victory over Port Vale.

"It's been a bit of a shock to the system coming back to the cold weather," explained Gary, "but it was a good break nonetheless and having given the lads the day off from training, we travelled down early to ensure they are fully rested for the game tomorrow."

"We're told the game is definitely on so as far as we are concerned it is business as usual. So we have to put any thoughts about the weather to the back of our minds."

"We know how important a game it is. But we need to just treat it as a chance for us to get three points closer to our fifty point target. They'll be thinking the same, and having brought a few new faces will be looking to close the gap on us. So it all set up nicely."

"We're still missing several key players with all the injuries but it's up to the lads that go out there to put a shift in and look to take our chances when they come. If we can do that and ensure we get the better of the set pieces then we'll give ourselves a great chance of coming home with a result."