HUDDERSFIELD Town are ready to let the plane take the strain when they head to Bournemouth for Monday’s League I match-up – but their immediate priority is to stop the Owls flying.

Promotion-chasing boss Simon Grayson describes it as the “business end of the season” and with the games coming thick and fast, rest and recuperation forms a key part of preparation.

Town, desperate to go third at Sheffield Wednesday’s expense by beating them at the Galpharm tomorrow lunchtime, stayed down in London after their 3-1 win at Leyton Orient on Tuesday.

And they will jet down to Bournemouth on Sunday, returning immediately after the following day’s South coast clash to start the countdown to the Roses clash at Preston tomorrow week.

“It’s a busy spell at the best of times, but when you add in the amount of travelling involved, then you have to manage the situation carefully,” explained Grayson.

“It’s great that the chairman has backed us to prepare as professionally as we possibly can, and hopefully we can repay him with maximum points.

“Normally we would have come back straight after a Tuesday night game, but staying down in London for the extra time meant the players got a good night’s rest.

“We had a comfortable trip back the next day, then started getting ready for what is a huge match for both ourselves and Sheffield Wednesday.

“The early kick-off (12.30) means we will have to tweak our usual Saturday schedule, but it will give that extra rest time before we head to Bournemouth.

“And by flying rather than going by coach, it means the lads will get that journey out of their legs far quicker.”

Bournemouth could have a big say in the battle for automatic promotion, because they are tomorrow’s visitors to Sheffield United, who currently occupy second place.

The Blades have a five-point advantage over Town and are two in front of arch-rivals Wednesday, who are unbeaten in eight and have won six of those games.

On-loan winger Michael Antonio has been making waves for the Owls, and is set to come up against Reading teammate Sean Morrison, Town’s on-loan centre-back.

Antonio is in the running for the League I Player of the Month award, while Wednesday boss Dave Jones is up against Carlisle’s Greg Abbott and Tranmere’s Ronnie Moore for the managerial accolade (both winners will be announced this morning).

Wednesday, where Jones replaced Gary Megson as manager in February, also have the services of Newcastle striker Nile Ranger, Burnley’s Republic of Ireland international midfielder Keith Treacy and Wolves’ Danny Batth.

Having recovered from a hamstring problem, centre-back Batth is in line to return in place of Owls skipper Rob Jones, who like Town right-back Jack Hunt, starts a two-match after reaching 10 yellow cards.

It’s between Batth and homegrown Mark Beevers to partner Miguel

Meanwhile frontman Gary Madine has hit form, taking his season’s tally to 17 with five goals in his last six outings, including both in the 2-0 home win over Preston last time out.

The 21-year-old former Carlisle man says he’s been picking up tips by watching footage of Sheffield United ace Ched Evans.

“I’m trying to learn as much as I can,” said Madine. “Ched’s got all-round ability, and if I can be considered in the same bracket, I’ll be delighted.