Latics are hoping that a winter bug has left the camp in time for the first of a festive double header with Notts County.

David Unsworth’s side travel to Meadow Lane for today’s Boxing Day clash, looking to build some momentum following a first league win in eight games and FA Trophy progress after a penalty shoot-out onTuesday.

There was a 10-day break between fixtures, after the initial meeting with Peterborough Sports was postponed on Saturday and put back to Tuesday, as a result of a frozen pitch at Boundary Park at the weekend.

And after progressing to the fourth round courtesy of a penalty shoot-out, Unsworth said he felt his players looked the worse for wear for the break, on top of the sickness bug that has affected a number of players.

Sydie Peck was among them, with the on-loan Sheffield United youngster looking out of sorts against National League North opposition, while on-loan Cheltenham midfielder Ellis Chapman missed the game.

Hallam Hope, who suffered a knee injury in the second half, had also been a victim of the bug.

But Unsworth is optimistic that the squad will have shaken it off by Boxing Day.

“There’s been a bug in the camp. Ellis has had it and two or three other players,” said the Latics boss.

“Ellis wasn’t feeling very well so we didn’t want to put him on when he wasn’t 100 per cent.

“Sydie’s been ill over the period of the weekend but he wanted to play. He was off it, as were one or two others who have been struggling a little bit.

“It’s a sickness bug. It’s difficult when you’ve got three or four of your starters who are struggling. It’s no excuse. I wanted us to put a strong team out and enjoy a good night, performance wise we didn’t but we got through.

“By the time we get to Boxing Day that should be all cleared up and we should be fine by then.”

Unsworth felt performance levels were impacted by the bug against Peterborough Sports in midweek.

“It’s not what you want and it does take it out of you,” he said. “We haven’t played for 10 days and I think it showed.

“You try not to make excuses for individuals. But we got through it (the tie), that’s the main thing.”