Johnny Hunt views Christmas and New Year as a chance for Chester FC to redeem themselves and head into 2016 with real impetus.
This season has been a case of one step forward, two steps back for the most part with an early exit from the FA Cup and an inability to break into the top half of the National League frustrating manager Steve Burr, his squad and fans in equal measure.
However, a resounding 4-1 win against Torquay United on Saturday, a favourable draw in the FA Trophy, and the additions of Alex Whitmore, Danny Hattersley and Ryan Lloyd on loan have improved the outlook.
Chester face Altrincham twice in the next seven days, either side of a home game with Macclesfield, and Hunt believes that gives them a chance to gain revenge for the FA Cup exit and make up ground on the teams above them in the table.
Read: Festive fixtures are winnable games, says Steve Burr
"These games over Christmas are a good chance for us to go and pick some points up and that’s what we’re looking to do," said the Liverpool-born defender.
"If we can come out of this period close to the top half, and that’s the aim to be honest, then we can go from there.
"We’ve got to take each game as it comes because it’s no good winning one and then losing the next two. We’ve got to go and win that next game and then build on that.
"We want to redeem ourselves and if we can go and take six points off Altrincham over Christmas then I think that will put us in a really good position and obviously there’s the Macclesfield game between them.
"It’s a chance. We haven’t been at home for a while and we like it here, we did well again on Saturday and with Altrincham and Macclesfield at home, that’s a big chance for us.
"As a squad we’re looking at this set of games and we know we’ve got to start putting consistent performances in and picking up points."
Read: Performance against Torquay was a long time coming, admits Johnny Hunt
Chester return to Moss Lane, where Altrincham won 1-0 to reach the FA Cup first round in October with a goal from Damian Reeves, on Boxing Day.
The Robins have won the previous three meetings between the clubs, including the festive double-header 12 months ago. Lee Sinnott’s side are currently 19th in the division, four points above the relegation places.
The Blues welcome Macclesfield to the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium on December 28 before hosting Alty in the return fixture on January 2 (all 3pm).
