After a week’s rest, Sandbach make the long trip to Scunthorpe on Saturday, for what is always a difficult game at Heslam Park. The North Lincolnshire outfit have had a disrupted campaign and struggled with injuries, but as their victory at runaway leaders Newport earlier in the seasons shows, when they are something like strength, they can beat anyone in the league. Their 8 v 19 win a fortnight ago away at Paviors shows they are returning to more typical form, and they certainly know how to play on their home ground, which is traditionally on the heavy side.

Sandbach came up short losing their home game 20 v 24 against Scunny last November, but there were lots of positives for the Bradwall Road outfit, as both patched up teams fought tooth and nail, in difficult conditions. Sandbach should be able to welcome back Monty Weatherby and Alex Bishop for the game on Saturday but are still missing a few with injuries and availability, which continues to test the squad. The predicted weather is not too great also, with light rain and a gentle breeze forecast, so they will need to contend with that and a traditionally strong pack if they are to win three in a row and move up the table.