Reds midfielder Brad Hubbold says the first-team squad are ‘excited to be back’ as they prepare for our trip to Nantwich Town tomorrow.

The Buildbase FA Trophy tie is currently our only scheduled fixture for the foreseeable future, following this week’s news that the Northern Premier League won’t be restarting immediately.

Victory at The Optimum Pay Stadium tomorrow evening would mean that Reds are able to play a Second Round Proper tie next week, which would be a plus for a plethora of reasons.

Hubbold, along with the rest of the team, returned to training last week and we caught up with him ahead of the clash in Cheshire.

Firstly, regarding his own fitness, he explained: “I’m feeling good.

“We’ve been ticking over with Danny’s sessions that he’s been sending out; it’s never easy but it’s good to keep a good level of fitness.

“I know all the lads are just excited to be back in training, having a kick about and just touching a ball – it’s better than just doing running!”

👁 Nothing going on this morning at @PenrithRUFC!

👂 Or are the Reds back again?

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Hubbold has enjoyed a solid start to the season and has impressed in a number of outings, making him first-choice for most matches.

However, he’s well-aware that he needs to hit the ground running when we return to action.

“I’m still pushing myself, I know I’ve got to keep my place in the team,” affirmed Hubbold.

“I know there’s five centre-midfielders who could play every day of the week.”

On what he thinks of his personal performance, he said: “I feel like I’ve started well.

“I’ve played in a deeper role and I enjoy that a lot.

“I can get on the ball more whereas playing higher, there’s a lot of runs in behind.”

Reds sit second in the table having played eight North West Division games and have had some success in the cups, such as the FA Trophy.

Regarding the campaign, Hubbold knows there’s still room for improvement.

“It’s been good so far but we just need to get that fluidness back, because that’s the way we play.

“A bit more stretching of the game and we’ll, hopefully, start to pummel some teams.”

Finally, on the trip to the Dabbers tomorrow, our creative hub (no pun intended) is looking forward to returning to familiar territory.

“I’ve played [at Nantwich] for us before when we were in that league – which is where we really should be.

“It’s a nice setup, a good ground so, hopefully, the pitch will do is justice and we’ll be able to play well on it.”

A virtual half-time raffle draw is being done during the game, which you can enter here.

Kick-off tomorrow is at 19:45, we hope to see you safely there!