Carlisle City boss Dan Kirkup is looking to follow up last week’s win at Northallerton with a home win.
But this promises to be tougher as visitors Easington Colliery lie eighth in the Northern League’s Division One table, which is three places higher and five points better off than City.
Kirkup, who came on as a late substitute to score the winner at Northallerton, said: “The lads were very good and it’s now about consolidating our position in the table and taking us forward.”
On tomorrow’s side Kirkup said: “Arran Fitzpatrick is in America on PFA exit trials; Adam Gordon has a hamstring injury while Liam Lightfoot nd Kieran Blair are unavailable.
“Other than those we are in good shape and looking forward to what should be a good game.”
Carlisle City are 11th just one place behind Penrith, on the same number of points but have played a game more than the Bonnyblues.
Penrith now have to find goals without top scorer Luke Hunter who signed for AFC Fylde last week, scoring his first goal for the Coasters in mid-week during a 5-1 hammering of Macclesfield in National North.
Jim Nichols’ side did bag three goals last week but were held to a draw at Birtley and tomorrow entertain North Shields the side immediately above them in the table, three points better off but from a game more.
Nichols still has high hopes of a serious top five challenge over the second half of the season and North Shields will be a good test of those ambitions.
They will be stronger this week with Matty Story, Matty Coombs and Will Morrey back from a stag go; Lewis Jolly back from holiday and Alex Potts available again after suspension.
Kendal Town are already up there in the top five but slipped from third to fourth after a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Marske last week.
Matt Flynn will be looking for a response tomorrow but it won’t be easy at Horden who are 7th, six points behind the Mintcakes from the same number of games.
In the North West Counties Division One North Holker Old Boys have slipped to ninth but they have several matches in hand over all those ahead of them.
They will expect to pick-up maximum points at home tomorrow when they host Squire’s Gate.
In the West Lancashire League both West Cumbrian sides have home games in the Premier Division.
Cleator Moor Celtric’s long unbeaten run was ended at Lostock St Gerard’s last week but they will be looking to make amends at home to Rossendale.
Manager Gareth Agnew has a strong squad available but has included youngster Harrison Rodgers who has been impressing with the reserves and is likely to get part of the action.
Whitehaven had their game postponed last week and now have a home fixture against Hurst Green as they try to climb away from bottom of the table.
Millom also had their game called-off last week and they resume with a trip to Blackpool Wren Rovers while Milnthorpe Corinthians are at Astley and Buckshaw United.
West Lancashire League Cup draws have been made this week and ties include the following:
Richardson Cup third round
- Cleator Moor Celtic v Hesketh Bank
- Kendal Co v Kendal Utd
- Millom v Haslingden SM
Presidents Cup first round
- Garstang Res v Holker OB Res
- Ulverston Rgrs v Milnthorpe Cor
- Whitehaven v Hawcoat Park
In the Wearside League, Windscale travel to Annfield Plain reserves who have just appointed their third manager of the season in a bid to pull away from the foot of the season.
The new man Don Naylor has already recruited players and it looks to be a stiffer test than it might have been for the Atoms.
But Windscale are boosted by the return of forwards Harry Hodgson, Owen Woodburn and Jayden Fulton, along with Kieran Lawson who were all unavailable last week.
Goalkeeper Levi McAdam and Will Rooke remain on the injured list while Andrew Begbie, Ray Sempill and Ryan Fitzwilliam miss out through personal commitments.
