Warrington Town skipper Mark Roberts brings us his latest 'Captain's Log' column...

WHEN games get called off, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a player or a supporter, we all miss that Saturday afternoon football fix.

But what’s probably been the most frustrating thing about the past couple of weeks is that it’s prevented us from building on the momentum we were gathering in the league.

In my day job, which involves mentoring young athletes, I talk to them about ‘controlling the controllables.’

Unfortunately, the British weather is something well and truly out of our hands.

What we do focus on is what we can affect, so that means ensuring that we prepare properly and give ourselves the best possible chance of making it three wins on the spin when we return to action at the weekend.

This enforced break has enabled our injured players to continue their individual rehab programmes without missing any more matches whilst the rest of the squad has spent the extra time together working hard on the training pitch.

Away from football, I can also confirm that in the Roberts household, our Christmas tree was up and decorated far earlier than I’ve known before!

On Saturday, we look forward to a Cheshire derby with local rivals Nantwich Town, and we expect another tough examination against one of the top sides in this division.

We’ve had some absolute ding-dong battles with the Dabbers in recent times so I’m sure they’ll be a cracking atmosphere inside Cantilever Park once again.

As we move into December, there are several long trips for us to negotiate before we head into a busy festive period and when I reflect on my own career, some of my fondest memories have been spent on those type of coach journeys with my teammates.

When I was a young professional, I was happy enough just being selected and sat on the bus yet with experience, I’ve come to recognise just how important that shared time can be.

Playing cards and having a laugh with each other may seem insignificant from the outside looking in, but that’s when friendships develop and team spirit grows.

It’s the invisible glue that holds a dressing room together through the highs and lows the season will bring.

Fans love their away days. So too does the team, especially when you’re travelling home with three points in the bag.