Two Benevolent Cup quarter finals dominate tomorrow’s programme in the Cumberland County League.
Maryport Athletic will be firm favourites to progress at home to the Premier Division’s bottom side Cleator Moor Celtic reserves.
But the other tie could be harder to call although it does involve a Premier Division side and opposition from Division One.
With just two games in two months Keswick go into the game very much undercooked and they have had to reverse the tie with Silloth and travel because two attempts at playing the game at home were scuppered by the weather.
But the weather hasn’t been the only concern for Keswick manager John Phillips, as unavailabilities continue to disrupt preparations and team line-ups.
“It isn’t much better this week. On Thursday morning I had 12 players available again and I’m ringing round trying to get some more additions to the squad.
“Our captain Alfie West is still out with injury and my assistant Jamie Little, who plays right wing, tweaked his groin in training on Tuesday so will be the subject of a late decision.
“On top of that some of our younger players are with Workington Reds again which reduces selection options,” said Phillips.
Silloth are seventh in Division One but improved from last season having won five and drawn three so far of their 15 fixtures. It should be an interesting clash.
Premier Division champions Maryport have had a disappointing 2026 but they were back to something like their best form with a good 3-0 win at Mirehouse, who have been closing in on them.
Now it’s their rivals, and favourites for this year’s title Unisun Athletic, who go to Morehouse tomorrow for a potentially tricky contest.
But Unisun will be fired-up by their mid-week win in the Conway Cup final and have the feel for silverware.
Two more of the leading five meet in Whitehaven, too, as Miners Social entertain Workington Juniors in what should be another tight contest.
The other Premier Division game see Cockermouth, encouraged by a battling display in defeat in the Conway Cup final, entertain Aspatria.
Saturday’s scheduled games are: Benevolent Cup – Silloth v Keswick; Maryport Athletic v Cleator Moor Celtic reserves.
Premier Division – Cockermouth v Aspatria; Mirehouse v Unisun Athletic; Whitehaven Miners v Workington Juniors.
Division One – Bransty Rangers v Whitehaven reserves; Carlisle City Development v Whitehaven Miners Development; Dearham Utd v Unisun Athletic Development; Windscale reserves v Cockermouth reserves.
