It’s a big weekend for Cumbria’s three teams contesting the Northern League’s Division One.
They all face teams currently in the division’s top five.
Top of the list is tonight’s clash at Gillford Park where Carlisle City entertain the current leaders Whitley Bay.
In eight games the Bay have not been beaten as they have amassed 20 points from six wins and two draws.
It’s only August 16 since Carlisle City lost 3-0 over at Whitley Bay and more recently Dan Kirkup’s men have suffered consecutive defeats at Easington Colliery and North Shields.
After such a splendid start to the season, when they led the table, City are now ninth but a win over an unbeaten Whitley Bay side would be a welcome boost in front of what could be the best crowd of the season so far.
Fourth-placed Horden entertain Penrith who are tenth, six points behind their hosts from a game more.
‘The Bonnyblues turned on a fine performance last week at home to Marske United (winning 4-0) with the League’s top scorer Luke Hunter grabbing another two goals.
Manager Jim Nichols thought that was the best performance since he returned to the club this season and he will be looking for more of the same tomorrow but expects a tougher test.
Horden won recently at Kendal, inflicting only the second League defeat of the season on the Mintcakes.
Tomorrow Kendal travel to Guisborough for a key game. The home side are fifth a point and a place above Kendal, both from the same number of games.
Matt Flynn’s side have recently lost narrowly to both Horden in the League and Dunston in the FA Cup and have not had the best of luck with availabilities.
Injuries and holiday have affected the squad .
Flynn is hoping to have more players available foe the trip to Guisborough.
In midweek Kendal went out of the FA Youth Cup, beaten 8-1 at home by a very good Stockton Town team.
