A Cumbrian derby in the West Lancashire League takes centre stage in the west of the county tomorrow.
Cleator Moor Celtic host neighbours Whitehaven in a crucial game for the visitors, desperate to start progressing up the table.
Brian Dawson, a former Celtic manager who has more recently been involved as assistant manager and caretaker boss with Workington Reds, takes charge for the first time of bottom-of-the-table Whitehaven.
He was appointed a month ago but because of other commitments couldn’t be involved on match day until the new year.
He said: “I’ve taken one or two training sessions and got to know the boys but this will be the first time I’ve been there for a match day.
“I’ve managed to bring in one or two fresh faces and hopefully we can start to pick up the points we need to move up the table.”
One of his recent recruits is Carl Lightfoot, who has joined from Wigton Harriers having previously been involved with the Reds.
His brother Liam is with Carlisle City.
Celtic manager Gareth Agnew has 20 players to pick from but it’s five weeks since they lost got any action following a spate of postponements.
Agnew said: “It means having to leave four of the lads out but they will play for the reserves at Wigton in the County League.”
The 20 doesn’t include Josh Palmer or Zach Benson-Lester, who have been consistent performer for Celtic throughout the season.
Palmer has been involved with Workington in the NPL Premier Division recently, getting his fitst start at Cleethorpes and coming on as a late substitute yesterday against Lancaster City.
“I’m delighted for Josh getting a chance at Reds and as they have a few injury problems at the moment we won’t be using him in case he picks up an injury. He’s a dedicated young player always looking to improve and I’m pleased to help him to do that,” said Agnew.
The other two Cumbrian sides in the West Lancashire League’s Premier Division have away fixtures tomorrow.
Millom go to Poulton and Milnthorpe Corinthians travel to Tempest United.
