New Workington manager Chris Willcock insists Saturday’s opener at Kidsgrove is about his own side and not the opposition.
He said: “By kick-off I will know a bit about Kidsgrove from various sources but I am more interested in how we perform on the day.
“I have been pleased with how we’ve progressed since I joined the club but I know there’s more to come from them.”
While Reds were completing their pre-season programme with a 6-0 win over Morpeth Town Saturday’s opponents were winding-up with a 1-1 draw against Midlands League side AFC Wulfrunians. Jake Lovatt scored for the Grove.
Pre-season had started for Kidsgrove with a 2-0 defeat to league two side Port Vale at home.
It was followed by a convincing 9-1 win against Foley Meir who play their football in the Staffordshire Senior League.
That was followed by back-to-back 2-0 victories against North West Counties side Eccleshall (home) and then away at Wolstanton United, another Staffordshire County League side.
Probably the best performance came against a team from League One Crewe Alexandra, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Against Leek COSB (Staffordshire Senior League) in the James Byrne Memorial match Kidsgrove regained the cup with an emphatic 6-0 win.
The penultimate pre-season match was against Whitchurch Alport of the Midlands League Premier Division where the Grove won 3-1.
Kidsgrove have only made one close season signing former Crewe left winger Kyle Stubbs. He had actually joined Crewe’s Academy four years ago from Kidgsrove’s own youth set-up.
Grove manager Scott Dundas said: “Kyle is a very technical and energetic player with a great left foot. He has really impressed us in pre-season and, is a great addition to our squad.
“Hopefully, he can find a way back into the professional game by putting in some good performances for us.”
