Workington Reds are preparing for their biggest game of the season at Borough Park.
NPL West leaders Macclesfield Town are the visitors as Reds bid to trim their lead at the top to six points.
Manager Danny Grainger has insisted all season that he concentrates on his own side’s performances and can’t influence anything the opposition do.
“I believe in this squad and have done from the start of the season. Sometimes I wish they believed as much as I believe but honestly on their day they are a match for anyone in this league.
“They don’t come any bigger than this one today and I know that everyone is up for it and looking forward to the challenge it brings.
“It won’t be any different to any other game in that we will be going out there to try and win three points,” he said.
Grainger gave a starting berth last week to teenager Kai Nugent, who is on a month’s loan from Carlisle United and he produced a performance in the 3-1 win at Runcorn Linnets which had the fans singing his praises.
The 17-year-old will be in line to start again against the League leaders who beat Workington 4-1 at Moss Rose earlier in the season – a score-line which in no way reflected the game.
“Kai got his first start last week and for a young man did fantastically well – as diod all the other lads,” said the manager.
Grainger also has the option of including his latest recruit, former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Lewis Farmer who has been training with the squad for a fortnight and has shown enough for the manager to add his signature.
“Lewis was recommended by Ben Hughes as the pair were at Wednesday together and I like what I’ve seen in training. It’s up to him now to force his way into the squad and into the team,” added Grainger.
Brad Hubbold (calf) remains Reds one confirmed absentees after Dav Symington and Cieran Casson have both returned from recent injuries.
“We did have a couple of lads with a bug this week and they will be assessed ahead of the game,” Grainger added.
Reds had been on a superb run of form after the defeat at Macclesfield in November until only drawing 1-1 with bottom side Ramsbottom and a few days later losing 1-0 to sixth bottom Bootle.
The win at Runcorn Linnets last week has invigorated the squad ahead of the big one with the League leaders.
Macclesfield are expected to bring a large travelling support and segregation of fans will be in operation.
The visiting supporters will be in the south west section at the town end of the ground and will only be allowed into Borough Park after showing a ticket purchased from the Macclesfield club. It’s a usual 3pm kick-off.
