Altrincham's hopes of reviving their bid for promotion to the Football League have been given a timely boost with the imminent return of key players from injury.
After being rocked by four Vanarama National League defeats in a row, the Robins are entering a crucial phase in their campaign with four games in 10 days, starting with another lengthy away trip to Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday but followed by home fixtures against Dorking Wanderers, Woking and York City.
It's the perfect opportunity for Phil Parkinson's side to force their way back into the play-off places, and their prospects have been enhanced by news that keeper Ethan Ross, full-back Lewis Banks and winger Justin Amaluzor are all nearing a return to action.
Ross, an outstanding success since joining on loan from Stockport County last summer and then making the move permanent, hopes to be back in the next few days, while Banks has shaken off an illness and Amaluzor is getting closer to full fitness after a groin problem.
Alty boss Parkinson welcomed an overdue change of fortune on the fitness front, as he reflected on a 2-1 defeat at Southend United on Tuesday night, and said: "We will have players coming back in the next week or two, and that is important because we have been thin on the ground during a fortnight of mega away travel down south and up in the north-east.
"With numbers back up a little closer to where they should be, we will go again, and I'm fairly confident we will turn things round sooner rather than later.
"I was really down after we lost at home to Maidenhead last Saturday, but I could see those green shoots of recovery at Southend, particularly in the second half.
"The lads acquitted themselves really well and kept at it right to the end, rather than letting it deteriorate into a heavier defeat. And a special mention for the travelling fans.
"I thought they were absolutely phenomenal, and the lads really appreciated the fact they didn't just turn their backs and head out at the end. That showed what this club is all about, and I just want to thank them for that and tell them we will get things right."
