And that is good news for manager Jim Vince who could be without Tom Baker after the player had stitches inserted in a leg wound following last weekend's win over Chorley.

Allen has missed the last two league matches due to pulling a hamstring after a couple of minutes of the 2-0 win over Mossley at the Shay.

But he went through a strenuous training session before Saturday's win over Chorley, which he watched from the sidelines, and is ready to return.

"If I'd have tried to carry on - or come back too early - it could have made it worse and I could have been out for a couple of months," said Allen.

"I had a rest, started training last weekend and hopefully will be ready to play again on Saturday.

"It had been a bit tight before the Mossley game, but I thought if I got started it would loosen up.

"A couple of minutes into the game it just went and I was devastated.

"I knew straightaway that I could not carry on."

After a hectic opening three months to the campaign, Town now have a spell where they play one league game a week.

And that has to be a major bonus for a part-time squad.

"A couple of the lads have got knocks and there are some tired legs after all the games we have played," said Allen.

"With no Tuesday games coming up the squad should get a good rest between matches."

Fewer games will allow Vince to work more on the training ground with the players and Allen knows that has to be a good thing.

"There is definitely more to come from everyone," he said.

"I don't think we are playing as well as we can.

"But if we are playing below what we can and still winning it is a good sign."

Town remain three points clear at the top of the table after second placed Bamber Bridge were beaten 2-0 at home by Mossley last night.

The Irongate outfit stay three points behind the Shaymen having played two games more while their conquerors Mossley are up to seventh, nine points behind Halifax.

Trafford are eighth after they were held to a 2-2 draw at Warrington Town.

Saturday's opponents Rossendale warmed up for the visit of Town to their Dark Lane base with a surprise 2-0 victory over high flying Clitheroe in a Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy clash last night.