Sam Barratt: 'The break has been more of a curse than a blessing'

Sam Barratt in action in the Magpies recent 4-1 defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge.

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Maidenhead United’s recent postponements of league fixtures have been more of a curse than a blessing, according to Sam Barratt, with the winger desperate to return to the field and help drag his side out of danger.

Last week, the Magpies were forced to reschedule their matches against Southend United and Chesterfield due to a positive COVID-19 case in the squad. Their Berks & Bucks Senior Cup tie at Ascot United was also postponed.

Their status in the National League, however, remains number one priority and the one immediately under threat, with the side flirting dangerously close to the relegation spots in 20th place.

Barratt, therefore, says he would have preferred to play the games sooner rather than later.

The game at Roots Hall has been rearranged for Tuesday, December 7 while the visit of the Spireites has been pencilled in for next year on Tuesday, January 18.

“When you’re not in the best run of form, you just want the next game to come,” he said. “It’s frustrating that we haven’t played these games but I do understand it’s in the best interest of everyone.

“It’s going to be hard going into this weekend’s match when we’ve only had a few sessions in the last 10 days or so. But other teams have probably been through this situation too so we can’t make any excuses.

“We just have to go out there and try and get the win really. We’ve got to dramatically turn things around – we know that – and most of the squad are now fit so hopefully we have more players to pick from and use.”

Barratt revealed the Magpies resumed training at York Road yesterday (Wednesday) and have another session at the ground today in preparation for their trip to Barnet.

The team were also encouraged by management staff to keep themselves ticking over with activities at home and GPS-tracked runs.

“It was a bit of a throwback to the first lockdown really,” said Barratt.

“The boys and I have been doing sessions at home, runs etc. So, everyone had been doing stuff to keep themselves fit until we were allowed to go back into training. Hopefully, we will be able to turn things around on Saturday.”