Three Cumbrian clubs start their FA adventure this weekend with challenging fixtures.
Carlisle City are first into action tonight when they visit Whickham in the extra preliminary round.
It’s a tie against fellow Northern League Division One opponents and is being played tonight because of club commitments to cricket tomorrow.
City manager Jim Nichols said: “They are a good side, finishing sixth in the table last season so we know it’s going to be a tough one.
“But we played some brilliant football in mid-week and I think we are a better side than last season. We hope to have a couple more players available for this one so it should be a good game.”
They have only played once so far in the League when they scored a 2-0 win at Heaton Stannington.
Carlisle City’s Gillford Park ground is being used by Penrith tomorrow for their tie against Boro Rangers, newly promoted to the First Division.
Penrith are scheduled to play the first ten games away from home as their own Frenchfields pitch is converted and Carlisle City have kindly helped them out for this one.
Boro Rangers started with a 1-1 draw at Northallerton, the only game they have played so far.
Penrith opened with a 2-0 defeat at Whitley Bay but followed-up with a splendid 5-1 win at Tow Law in mid-week.
Manager Darren Edmondson said: “That was the best performance, certainly in the first-half, since I joined the club. I’m hoping the confidence gained from that will help us find the consistency we are looking for.
“Boro will be a test for us. They won Division Two on the last day of the season to earn promotion and are an ambitious club who want to go further up the pyramid.”
Kendal Town have opened their NW Counties League season with two 1-0 victories, but expect a tough test tomorrow at home to Consett.
Last season was their first at NPL East Division level and they consolidated after Northern League promotion by finishing 13th of 20.
Kendal boss Jimmy Marshall said: “They are a League higher and we will give them the respect they deserve but we still intend to be on the front foot against them.
“I honestly believe we will give anybody a game at home because we have lads who are committed and who can also play a bit.”
Kendal and Penrith are actually on a collision course to meet in the next stage, the preliminary round on August 19.
Penrith or Boro Rangers versus Kendal or Consett is the draw, but of course it’s another game the Bonny Blues would have to play away if they are successful.
Carlisle City will have a home tie in the preliminary round against either Whitley Bay or Garforth if they see off Whickham.
