Kendal Town, cock-a-hoop, after a convincing derby win at Carlisle City on Tuesday, are up for the Cup tomorrow.
Matt Flynn takes his in-form side to Northallerton for a preliminary round tie against fellow Northern League opposition.
Kendal won 3-1 at Crook in the extra preliminary round while Northallerton had to go to a home replay to beat West Allotment Celtic 3-0.
In the League Kendal’s unbeaten run after an opening day defeat has seen them climb to third while their FA Cup hosts have won one, drawn one and lost two to lie 14th.
After the 4-1 win at Carlisle City manager Matt Flynn said: “Everyone was superb, with top performances all over the pitch. I couldn’t be more pleased with the team and how they have been performing since that opening game.”
That defeat to Kendal came as a shock to Carlisle City who just a few days earlier had gone top of the league.
But they don’t have time to brood on what proved a disaster of a night when mistakes cost them the two opening goals and they had a Tom Mahone sent-off.
In some ways it’s perfect opportunity to bounce back with no pressure as they visit leaders Whitley Bay.
They went clear top on Tuesday with a 4-0 win at Marske and are the League’s top scorers with 18 in five games.
It’s tough but there will be a determination about Dan Kirkup and his team to put things right after Tuesday.
“It was a game too far for us, we weren’t really at the races and they were a really good team.
“The Bay are flying, full of energy and scoring goals for fun but we will be going there to get something,” said Kirkup.
Penrith got their first win on Tuesday – and did it in impressive fashion with a 6-0 home win over Thornaby.
They hope to follow-up tomorrow at Boro Rangers who are just a point above them in the table.
Manager Jim Nichols said: “I think Tuesday’s result had been coming. Things went right for us on the night when they had gone against us in previous games.”
In the North West Counties League One North Holker Old Boys are on a recovery mission.
A 2-1 home defeat to Steeton last week cost them the League leadership and they dropped to fourth.
Tomorrow they host Darwen who are eighth but just a point behind the south Cumbrians.
In the West Lancashire League, Whitehaven hope to build on their first point, gained at Millom in mid-week.
They entertain reigning champions Tempest United who have not started the season as though they are going to retain their title.
However Whitehaven continue to have player availability problems and a lot will depend on how many are missing for this one.
Cleator Moor Celtic had no mid-week game and put up a good performance last week at leaders Eagley.
They suffered the agony of losing to a 92nd minute goal after drawing level in the first-half.
Tomorrow will be almost as tough as they visit second-top Lostock St Gerard’s.
Fourth-placed Millom put their unbeaten record on the line at Burscough Richmond who are a point behind them in seventh.
Dave Allan’s side conceded after 20 minutes against Whitehaven on Tuesday and then completely dominated.
But after goal-a-game Ben McDonald equalised they completely dominated but were unable to breakdown a dogged Whitehaven defence.
Milnthorpe Corinthians are bottom, the only side without a point after four games.
But after two 6-1 hammerings the last two defeats have been by the odd goal.
They visit draw specialists Hurst Green tomorrow who have shared the spoils in three games and won the other.
In the Wearside League, there’s a trip to South Moor in prospect for Windscale with Alan Hood Charity Cup progress at stake.
The Atoms have only played twice in the League and are still looking for their first point.
But with several changes from last season, and generally a younger squad, it will take time to gel.
