Two former Carlisle United players go head-to-head at Brunton Park tonight in the County Cup final.
Danny Grainger, a former Blues captain, was playing for United when Darren Edmondson was heavily involved in the Carlisle youth set-up.
Both speak regularly in their latest roles managing Workington Reds and Penrith and it’s a special game tonight as it will be the first final that the newly named Fred Conway County Cup has been the prize – renamed in memory of the former county chairman who died midway through the season.
Grainger will be looking for a quick double after his side clinched promotion to the NPL Premier Division with Saturday’s 2-1 extra-time win over Runcorn Linnets.
The Reds boss said: “We have enjoyed the week-end but are now fully focused on the Cup final which obviously we want to win.
“As we have done through this competition we will look to give game time to players who haven’t had as many minutes as others in recent weeks.
“Unfortunately one or two are not available tonight but we will still have a strong squad to contest the final. There’s one thing for certain Edmo will have his squad all fired up for the game.”
Grainger also admitted that he supports Penrith whenever he can and is a close friend of the chairman.
“Billy Williams was a guest at our final game against Runcorn and was in the sponsors lounge with my dad,” he said.
Edmondson, who also had a good spell in charge of Reds in National North, said: “We are clearly the underdogs for this one but will be looking to cause an upset.
“I’m just so pleased for people at the club, like the chairman Billy Williams, that they will be able to enjoy a Cup final night like this.
“We finished the season well, clinching Northern League safety and beating the new champions, so hopefully we can carry that into the final.”
Kick-off is at 7pm.
