Brian Dawson, Cleator Moor Celtic’s new manager, is looking to be almost at full strength for their friendly with Millom.
So far, in warm-up games with Whitehaven Amateurs and Carlisle City, Dawson has had to contend with missing players.
Celtic started with a 5-0 win over West Lancashire League Whitehaven and then lost 3-1 against Carlisle City of the Northern League.
They play Millom tomorrow, Tuesday, July 12.
Dawson said: “We are looking forward to the Millom game because it will be the first time in pre-season where will be nearly at full strength.
“You’re more often than not going to be missing one or two players but not nine or 10, which is what we’ve had to endure in the first two games.
“Hopefully we can get a positive performance after Saturday’s setback against Carlisle City. It also gives us an opportunity to look at a few different things in terms of personnel and formations.”
Celtic had opened their pre-season programme with a 5-0 win over Whitehaven which pleased Dawson for a number of reasons.
He said: “This was our first game as a group and I thought overall we put in a very good performance.
“It’s always difficult when you first come in to get your ideas across of how you want to play but the boys managed to achieve this, which was very pleasing.
“I thought we kept the ball well and created lots of goal-scoring opportunities but perhaps more importantly kept a clean sheet which is always a bonus.”
In the follow-up against City he felt that his side hadn’t lived up to the high standards they had set against Whitehaven.
Two goals in the last six minutes gave City a 3-1 win after Callum Birdsall had scored a 63rd minute equaliser.
Dawson said: “We made too many individual errors in possession which causes panic and prevents you playing with confidence.
“The second half was much better in terms of our decision making. We got a better foothold in the game and for long spells were on top.
“It was disappointing to concede two late goals in the 84th and 87th minutes which meant it probably wasn’t a fair reflection of the score.”
After tomorrow’s game Celtic have a break until July 23 when they host Crook Town and follow-up on July 26 with a final friendly at home to Windscale.
Dawson added: “This will give us the chance to work on some things in training to ensure we are ready to hit the ground running on July 30 when we travel to Steeton for the opening game of the season in the NW Counties League.”
