Workington Reds face a ‘six pointer’ tomorrow when they visit FC United of Manchester in the NPL Premier Division.
Reds are four points clear of their hosts but only a point above the drop zone and they don’t want to be fighting a relegation battle over the second half of the season.
But injuries have really had an impact on Mark Fell’s squad with 13 potential first teamers missing – the latest being Tom Stephenson who has been stood down on the head injury protocol.
Fell brought in two youngsters against Whitehaven in the Fred Conway County Cup-tie – ex Wigan midfielder Ruben Grewal and former Burnley winger Lucas Wane, who is currently playing North West Counties football with Longridge Town under ex-Kendal boss Lee Ashcroft.
Both will be in the squad for the game in Manchester and today Fell said it was 50-50 on whether he would also be able to bring in another player on loan.
In the Northern League Kendal Town will be anxious to atone for last week’s defeat at Guisborough which cost them a place in the play-off positions.
They are back at Parkside Road against a potentially dangerous Crook Town side who are a point and a place behind the Mintcakes with a game in hand. So it’s a big game for both sides.
Penrith are at home, too, against good opposition in North Shields who are eighth, a point and a place above Kendal from the same number of games.
But Penrith are only five points behind their visitors in 12th place and on their day can match most sides in the League. It’s the inconsistency which has held them back, while Darren Edmondson’s squad hasn’t been helped by a series of injuries.
The third Cumbrian side Carlisle City have saved their best performances for the FA Vase but they need to start showing similar efforts in the League, starting tomorrow at Marske United.
Marske won comfortably at Gillford Park earlier in the season and they currently sit 11th in the table a point better than Penrith from, a game more.
Manager Dan Kirkup is expecting a tough match for his side but is hoping he will have a strong squad to take through to Marske.
In the North West Counties League Division One North Holker Old Boys have slipped to game in third and are seven points adrift of leaders Atherton LR with just one game in hand.
They have a tricky match in prospect tomorrow when they visit Bacup Borough who are seventh and eyeing a play-off place.
In the West Lancashire League the Premier Division table makes hard reading with the west Cumbrian pair propping up the rest.
Both have home games tomorrow but not easy at first glance as they are up against teams in the top five.
Cleator Moor Celtic host Blackpool Wren Rovers who are fifth in the table while Whitehaven host third-placed CMB.
Windscale have a cracking home game in prospect as they look to improve their position of fourth in the Wearside League.
They entertain Gateshead Leam Rangers who are a point and a place better off in the table – but from three less games.
