Workington Reds defender Gari Rowntree believes the extended break ahead of their FA Trophy clash against Weston-super-Mare can set them up to produce another upset.

With Saturday’s Evo-Stik Northern Premier League clash with Shaw Lane postponed and the League Cup game Reds were due to play against Marine tonight moved, the FA Trophy second round fixture will be only Reds’ second match of 2018.

Rowntree is looking at that as a positive and believes two training sessions this week after a lengthy rest will have Reds sharp and at their best for the trip to Somerset.

He said: “A rest is welcome and good for the lads.

"It’s just what we needed after we had four games in 10 days over Christmas.

“We were looking forward to getting back playing again after the defeat on New Year’s Day but, in another sense, the extra time to recover is a positive.

“The run was always going to finish but it’s always disappointing because you almost forget what it feels like to lose.

“The first thought after that game was to put it right and I’m sure we’ll get back on the right track.

“This little rest will make sure the lads are sharp and ready for Saturday.”

Anticipation is already building in the squad at the prospect of testing themselves against higher-league opposition.

Weston-super-Mare have won their last four games in a row and sit ninth in the National League South but Rowntree is adamant Reds will go there with no fear.

“It’s big for the club more than anything financially but it’s also very exciting for the lads,” he said.

“You get to play teams from higher up the football pyramid and prove yourself against them.

“The lads will have to dig in again and give everything but, hopefully, we can do what we did against Hartlepool.

“You go into every game thinking you’re going to win, especially with the runs we’ve been on recently.”