Whitehaven opened their hectic pre-season programme with an encouraging performance in a 2-1 win over Millom.
Relegated Whitehaven will be playing their football in Division One of the West Lancashire League in the coming season and that’s where Millom were two years ago before earning promotion to the Premier Division.
Brian Dawson has put together a stronger squad this time round looking to bounce back quickly to the top flight, and has six rapid fire friendlies lined up before the league starts on August 1.
They had 18 players on duty for this week’s friendly and played particularly well in the first half when they took a 2-0 lead through goals by Luke Routledge and Kian Goulding.
Millom pulled one back immediately after the restart through Theo Wilson and dominated much of the second-half, enjoying plenty of pressure.
But Whitehaven held out for a positive 2-1 win which sets them up for Saturday’s trip to play a Kendal Town side.
You can hear below what Dawson thought of the performance against Millom:
Carlisle City have also been in action with their annual friendly against Threave Rovers at Gillford Park.
A last minute goal gave the West of Scotland side a 2-1 win after Sean Bannon had been on target for City.
Aaron Taylor, the former Workington and Penrith keeper made his debut in the second-half for City and will be a strong addition to the squad along with ex-Workington defender and player of the year Jordan Little as well as the returning forward Callum Birdsall.
Manager Dan Kirkup had one or two absentees on the night but was well pleased with the work-out.
You can hear what Kirkup thought of the game by listening below:
Penrith should have been back in action tonight with a friendly against the new Lowland League West side Dalbeattie Star.
But the Scots, beaten 6-1 on Saturday by Wishaw and 3-1 on Tuesday by Ashfield, have pulled out of the game due to unforeseen circumstances.
