By the time County get back to League Two action at Edgeley Park on Tuesday after two-and-a-half weeks without a game, they will have stepped up a gear and be gunning for in-form Chesterfield.

Assistant boss Peter Ward said: "It was a big disappointment to lose last weekend's derby game to the weather as there would have been a big crowd at Gigg Lane and all the lads were really looking forward to it.

"It's not been great because we've been on a good run lately and all the lads are fired up, but the break from League action has given us a chance to do a lot of work on the coaching side.

"We're not the finished article yet by any means, but the lads are full of confidence after winning four games on the bounce and the training sessions have really gone up a gear.

"The challenges are there for the lads, and they're all ready for them."

County miss out on a first-team game again this Saturday due to scheduled opponents Mansfield's continued involvement in the FA Cup.

Meanwhile, Ward has confirmed that League One Hartlepool have put in a bid for 14-goal top scorer Anthony Elding, but their valuation of the player would have to be significantly increased should any further offer be considered.