There’s an air of expectancy ahead of tonight’s Cumbrian derby in the Northern League from both sides.
Carlisle City vs Kendal Town is a clash of the joint leaders and the side in seventh place.
Both are in winning form with just one defeat on their respective records.
City lost at Marske in the FA Cup while Kendal were beaten by Newcastle Benfield in the opening League game of the season.
A good crowd is expected at Gillford Park tonight (ko 7.45pm), although it possibly would have been higher on a Saturday.
Kendal would have taken close on 200 fans for a weekend game but might not be quite as well supported tonight.
The Mintcakes go into the game unchanged after Saturday’s FA Cup win over Crook Town.
New manager Matt Flynn, already making a very good impression at Parkside Road, is particularly happy with the character shown by his players.
Opposite number Dan Kirkup thought his side’s 3-1 win against Boro Rangers was the best performance since he took over at the start of last season.
That was followed by a 3-1 win at West Allotment on Friday which briefly put them out on top on their own.
Whitley Bay’s convincing win against Newcastle Benfield on Saturday edged them past City on goal difference.
Then Shildon won 5-1 last night at West Allotment to go top, but also on goal difference.
Tonight Whitley Bay go to Marske, the only side to beat City so far.
City, like their opponents, will be strong tonight with Jordan Holt the only notable absentee as he recovers from a knock.
Kirkup – and Flynn – are finding out that when the team is going well there aren’t many absentees.
It’s possibly true to say that with just a better rub of the green on crucial decisions Penrith could be up there with their county neighbours.
The Bonny Blues are still looking for their first win after three draws and a narrow defeat.
Manager Jim Nichols reckons there have been as many as nine goals which were the subject of bad decisions – ruled out for them or given against them – which were wrong.
They are back at Frenchfield tonight but it’s a tough one with unbeaten visitors Thornaby up in fourth place with two wins and a draw so far.
Nichols is contemplating a tweak or two to his formation for this one after so much frustration so far.
