Workington Reds players will be told they can earn their starting place for Saturday’s League game in tomorrow night’s Cup clash with Carlisle City.
Danny Grainger, bitterly disappointed by Saturday’s performance in a 3-0 defeat at City of Liverpool, wants a reaction.
Reds host Carlisle City at Borough Park in the semi-final of the Fred Conway County Cup tomorrow before hosting Glossop North End in the NPL West at the weekend.
“There are going to be changes and the players will be told they are playing for their shirts on Saturday in the League game.
“We want to win every game between now and the end of the season. That includes the semi-final of the County Cup because I want to get to the final and win the competition.
“Saturday just wasn’t good enough, nowhere near what we are capable of and I expect a response against a good Carlisle City side who are the holders and will be doubly keen to get through to the final again,” said Grainger.
The Reds boss will be able to use defender Sam Smith in his line-up although he is still suspended from League action. Conor Tinnion and Ciaran Casson remain the injury doubts.
Opposite number Jim Nichols, a good friend of Grainger’s, was frustrated not to have played a game on Saturday.
Everyone was getting ready for the trip to Newcastle Benfield when word came through that the pitch was unfit.
“We had no indication on Friday that there was going to be a problem so it was a bit of a shock – and frustrating for us.
“I hope to have a couple back for Tuesday night, players who haven’t been available but we will be without defender Dan Kirkup who is suspended.
“It’s an odd one that Danny can use Sam who is suspended but we can’t use Dan. The rules of the Northern Premier League and the Northern League are different apparently.
“We will also be checking to see if we can use Jordan Palmer and Tom Mahone who started the season with the Reds but didn’t play in the County Cup.
“Reds have a good team and it will be tough for us but we enjoyed winning the competition last season and want to give it a good shot at retaining the trophy,” said Nichols.
