After a 17-day break from competitive action, Whitby Town return to Pitching In Northern Premier League this weekend with a tough test in the West Midlands, as Gary Liddle’s side travel to Keys Park to face promotion-chasing Hednesford Town.

The pause in fixtures has seen the Seasiders slip to 16th in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division, but within the camp there’s a sense that the enforced rest could yet prove beneficial says defender Nathan McGinley.

"It’s been a bit stop-start recently," the centre-back admitted. "With games being called off and no fixture last weekend, it’s been quiet in terms of match action. But the lads are in a good place. We know there’s more to come from us on the pitch, but everyone’s happy and training well. We’re just really looking forward to getting going again on Saturday."

Whitby’s last outing was a 3-1 defeat at Hebburn Town, with Jake Charles on the scoresheet, but with only two matches played since the turn of the year, McGinley feels context is important, particularly on a personal level after he himself has been in and out of the side with injury.

"You can train all you want, but you need games to get back to full match fitness," he explained. "It takes a couple of matches to find that rhythm again. The last few weeks have given us a chance to work hard on fitness and preparation, and hopefully we can take that into Saturday and turn it into a positive result."

That preparation could prove vital against a Hednesford side sitting second in the table on goal difference alone. Managed by Gavin Hurren, a promotion winner with the home side last season, the Pitmen have lost just once at home all season and remain firmly in the title picture.

Despite the challenge ahead, belief within the Whitby squad remains strong, fuelled by September’s 2-1 home victory over Saturday’s opponents.

"They’re a great side and they’re up there for a reason," he acknowledged. "But we’ve got to take confidence from the reverse fixture. We’re a very good team ourselves, so it’s about going there with belief and doing what we know we can do."

That confidence is underpinned by what McGinley describes as a strong squad, despite Whitby Town's current lowly position in the league table.

"With a busy run of games coming up, everyone’s going to be needed," he said. "The squad is brilliant. Whoever comes off the bench always adds something. No matter what the starting eleven looks like, there are no weaknesses. Keeping people fit, rotating when needed, and getting through games is massive for us moving forward."

As the season enters a crucial phase, the defender is well aware of how quickly fortunes can change in a congested league table.

"The table tells you everything," he added. "Win a couple and you’re right back in it. Lose a couple and you’re looking behind you. That’s just football. All we know is that we’re going there on Saturday to try and get three points."