Workington go into the weekend knowing that their next two games are against the early leaders in the NPL Premier Division.
Red travel to second-placed Ilkeston Town tomorrow and on Tuesday night entertain current leaders Radcliffe.
Early days, of course, but they are two of only four teams that have won both their opening games.
Reds themselves were looking good, top of the table after a 5-0 home win over Ashton Town, but crashed back to earth on Tuesday with a 3-0 defeat at Morpeth Town.
It’s probably safe to say that neither score-line had been predicted beforehand but may be an indication of what to expect this season in this particular League.
On their day most of the 22 clubs will be capable of beating any of the others.
The key being “on their day” and consistency is going to be essential in the weeks and months going forward.
Reds boss Danny Grainger felt his side had been 10 per cent off what they had been against Ashton, but was at pains to praise a Morpeth side who were lively and effective on the night.
Grainger had made two changes from his winning combination, but both because of injury concerns.
Crucially both were at centre-back where the tried and trusted partnership of Dan Wordsworth and Sam Smith were absentees.
‘Goose’, like fellow stalwarts Scott Allison and Conor Tinnion, has to be nursed and managed through periods of the season when games come thick and fast.
Smith had limped off before half-time in the big win over Ashton because of concerns over an ankle problem.
Grainger hopes to have them both back in contention for the trip to Ilkeston.
Among the things he and assistant Terry Mitchell will be debating are which of the youngsters to use at left back – Matty Bell or Keelan Leslie – both of whom had half a game on Tuesday and whether Brad Hubbold did enough in a lively second-half display to earn a starting place.
Once again Workington will be playing on a 4G surface, but that should not be a serious concern. They lost on one at Morpeth but recent top performances at Leek and Bootle suggest the surface should hold no serious concerns.
