Workington Reds have to take on one of the sides tomorrow who are 100% after the opening two games.
Travelling to Hednesford is tough enough at any time but their bright start, along with Reds heavy defeat at Stockton, makes it a real test of character.
Darren Edmondson has a largely inexperienced squad and believes it might take until September for the younger members to grow into the competition.
Obviously the sooner the better, but the fact that the manager can’t pick from a full squad isn’t going to help the cause.
Several players have been missing from the two games so far and that’s going to be the case again for the trip to Staffordshire.
Edmondson said: “We are at the start of a journey with young players who will have learnt about themselves from these last two games.
“It was a difficult result to accept but we have to take into account where we are with this project.
“It’s about recruiting locally and making sure that the club is in good hands for the move into a new stadium and that the players can compete at this level.
“Running hard, working hard and having the courage to get on the football are what we are looking for and despite results like Tuesday the players have to believe in their own ability.”
Hednesford became one of only two teams in the division with a 100% record on Tuesday night after beating Warrington Town 2-1 in front of a crowd of 2,003.
Niall Watson and Elliott Johnson scored in the second half before an added time consolation goal for the visitors.
This followed up Saturday’s 1-0 win at Hebburn when Dom McHale scored the only goal of the game.
Nicknamed the Pitmen manager Gavin Hurren said; “Workington are a side who always make you work for it.
“They’ve got a good mix of experience and energy in their squad, so we’ll need to be sharp from the first whistle. We’re looking forward to playing at home again in front of our supporters and building on what we’ve started.”
