Workington Reds play their final home friendly tonight against Bolton B – a visiting team expected to contain some of the brightest youngsters with the Wanderers.
Reds boss Mark Fell has this game and Saturday’s trip to Clitheroe before debating on his best line-up for the opening game at Guiseley on August 10.
He is likely to make fewer changes in these two games as he looks to give more minutes to the players likely to be involved against Guiseley.
Fell has taken two centre-backs on loan from Gateshead and they are likely to be unveiled tonight while he is still talking to Carlisle United about bringing back one or two of the loanees from last season.
After the 1-0 win at Ashington Fell said he was still hoping to recruit an experienced midfielder and forward before the first NPL Premier Division game.
Reds first home game in the League will be on Tuesday, August 13 when Fell’s old club Lancaster City are the visitors – managed by ex-Reds boss Chris Willcock.
The Dolly Blues have hust added defensive reinforcements with the signing of former Widnes centre-back Jack Byrne.
The 22-year-old made 41 appearances for his former club last season as they finished six points off the NPL West Division play-offs.
Byrne will be familiar to many at the Giant Axe, having spent a month there on loan from AFC Fylde in March 2022, where he scored twice.
He has also impressed as a trialist for the Dolly Blues in recent weeks.
Byrne said: “Sam [Bailey] put my name forward, and when I got the call from the gaffer I was just absolutely buzzing.
“Knowing some of the lads has definitely made it easier to settle into the team.
“I want to help take the team as high as we can and try and get into the play-offs and push on. It was close last year, and I feel like with the lads we’ve got here, we’ve got a good chance.”
Manager Wilcock said: “Jack has had a good 60 or so games at Step 4 and we now feel he’s ready for Step 3.
“He brings good qualities and is desperate to learn, which is good from a manager’s point of view.”
