The Rebels have had a spate of injuries and suspensions that coincided with a dip in form over the festive period.

But with players returning and new additions to the squad, things are looking up for Baker and fellow boss Jon Underwood.

Slough put their problems behind them with a comprehensive 5-1 win over Chalfont St Peter on Saturday, which maintains their push for the play-offs.

However, they had to raise their game in the second half to take all three points, as Baker explains: “Confidence on the pitch has been pretty low.

“We didn’t play well at all in the first half, we were second to the ball and we looked nervous.

“But we got the goal just before half-time and then scored early in the second half and that lifted our confidence.

“We showed the right attitude. It was a good three points for us.” New signings Adam Cornell, Ryan Parsons and Leigh Rumbold all played their part in the victory which was Rebels’ first in more than a month.

The club’s decision to freshen up the squad in the last few weeks is finally paying dividends after a difficult season with injuries, which Baker admits has had an adverse effect on the team.

For example, against Kettering in December, they were forced to pick two injured players in their starting XI and could name only two substitutes, including a 17-year-old youngster.

“We’ve had a lot of injuries this year so hopefully we can steer clear of that for the rest of the season,” said Baker.

“Even if the players are good enough, mentally it can affect them when they look around the changing room and don’t see certain players there.

“But now all of a sudden we’re getting everyone available. We’re pretty much full strength now.” Baker admitted Rebels were still a little off the pace, but he also stressed: “We’ve just got to try and get on as good a run as we possibly can. We’ve also got to be as clinical as we possibly can be.” It will be a testing week ahead for the Rebels who face back-to-back away games against two of their chief play-off rivals.

First they travel to Bedfordshire-based Barton Rovers tomorrow (Saturday, 3pm ko), but the match was in doubt as the Observer went to press due to a waterlogged pitch at Sharpenhoe Road.

The Rebels then go to in-form Northwood on Tuesday (7.45pm ko), with their opponents one point above them in the Southern League Division One Central table.

“Northwood are having a great season,” added Baker. “They’re probably the surprise package, nobody really talks about them.”