New defender Kyle Harrison has admitted he should have made his mind up sooner about joining Workington Reds.
The experienced Harrison will miss the next three games after being sent off in his last game for Widnes a week ago.
Manager Chris Willcock said: “He wishes now he had joined us earlier because it’s almost certain he wouldn’t have been sent-off, and that’s going to cost him three games – especially when we could have used him in the centre of defence.
“He’s a very committed young man and with a new job was wondering if that would affect him travelling to training during the week.
“He is a strong character in the dressing room and a really good team man so I was delighted to get him on board when I did.
“Sefton Gonzales is an awkward opponent to handle for Clitheroe and I thought he was exceptional in how he played him. He’s going to be a great asset to the squad.”
Harrison moved to centre-back to deputise for the injured Dan Wordsworth (ankle) at Clitheroe after coming on for his debut at right-back against Marine.
If Wordsworth is still missing on Saturday for the visit of Market Drayton then Willcock will have to look for another partner at the back for Sam Smith.
There has been mention of bringing in a new defender but the Reds boss might decide to switch Danea Lawrence, who made a splendid debut in midfield at Clitheroe.
“He’s a versatile lad who can play centre back, left-back or centre midfield and I would have no problem in using him there if need be.
“Whoever has played in the back four has done the job, in front of the best keeper in the league, as four clean sheets in four games, testifies.
“But we don’t want any slip-ups on Saturday. Market Drayton won their first game of the season and then have lost four since but we have to go into it with the right attitude,” said Willcock.
The league newcomers have only scored twice and conceded 11 – seven against Willcock’s former club Ramsbottom – but they only lost 1-0 at home to Leek Town on Monday.
