It’s a fixture that has produced some memorable confrontations down the years – and some big crowds.
Workington Reds against Carlisle United will go head-to-head again tonight in the final of the Fred Conway County Cup.
Reds have ground advantage with the final allocated to Borough Park some time ago and although a decent crowd is expected, the old ground has been packed for previous clashes between the old rivals.
In the Football League they met 26 times with Workington winning half of them, and also drawing six.
But times have changed and there are four levels between them at the moment – down to three come August – and those golden days of derby battles have long gone.
Both clubs will be keen to win the trophy. Carlisle have had a poor season which has ended in relegation, and a County Cup is no consolation, but it would be something to bring a little cheer to the Blues.
Reds have done what they set-out to do, retain their place in the NPL Premier Division, but it’s been a disappointing finish since manager Danny Grainger announced he was leaving at the end of the season.
They have lost their last seven League games, which have included some miserable performances, but Grainger was more up-beat after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at big-spending Macclesfield.
Much will depend on the strength of the side he can put out with Bobby Carroll, Brad Hubbold and Kitt Nelson all ruled out through injury but he is boosted by the return of Conor Tinnion who was suspended on Saturday.
Carlisle have injury problems of their own and are unlikely to field as strong a side as might have been the case. Interestingly they could use Jake Allan and Sam Hetherington who have been on loan recently at Workington.
The kick-off is 7pm and it costs £5, £2 concessions with Under-16’s admitted free.
