First-team manager Danny Grainger is looking forward to build on our ‘great relationship’ with Penrith AFC tomorrow as the two clubs meet for a friendly at Borough Park.

The noon kick-off will see Dave ‘Dabba’ Hewson return to West Cumbria with his Bonny Blues in a match to keep the sides on their toes during this extended suspension of their respective leagues.

Speaking ahead of training on Thursday, Grainger firstly reacted to the news that the Northern Premier League is set to resume in the coming weeks thanks to Tier 3 clubs being permitted a small number of spectators.

“It’s definitely good news, we can’t wait now.

“We’re looking forward to getting back into it and getting the season finished,” he said.

“We’ve 28 games to make sure we pick enough points to be up and around it at the end of the campaign.”

Tomorrow’s match will allow Reds to keep their rhythm following our return to action and 3-1 Buildbase FA Trophy loss at Nantwich Town on Tuesday.

Due to not having a competitive fixture organised, we’ll face-off against Penrith in what should be a highly-beneficial match for all parties, as Grainger alluded to.

“It’ll be a good game, it means I can get a look at the younger lads and make sure some of the lads who haven’t had as much get some game time,” he explained.

“It also means I can get to look at a few things tactical-wise as well that we’re going to look at trying in the next few weeks.”

On the link with the Bonny Blues, he affirmed: “Obviously, we’ve got a great relationship with Dabba and Billy Williams and we want to make sure we continue that.

“It’s somewhere our youngsters can go and get a bit of game time as they have done in the past and will continue to do if it’s right for both clubs.

“Like I said, it’ll be a great game for all of us, it also means we can get some fans back at Borough Park which will be nice!”

The gaffer also gave an update on our injury concerns, revealing a mixed bag of news.

Scott Allison, Robbie Hebson and Jordan Little are currently sidelined from long-term injuries and Grainger provided us with the latest on the three.

“Unfortunately, Jordan is going to need an operation,” admitted Grainger.

“He’ll be out until well into the New Year so that’s really disappointing because I felt Jordan was really picking up and get going again.

“Scotty’s progressing really well, it’s just going to be a case of not being tempted to throw him back in and rush him back.

“He knows we’ve got his best interests at hearing and we rush him back too soon.

“Robbie’s back involved training after a long lay-off.

“It’s just going to be a case off not rushing him back too and making sure he feels confident with it and ready because he’s going to play a big part when we’re back.”

Tickets are available from the Borough Park ticket office today (10:30-14:00) and tomorrow from 10:00 until kick-off at 12:00.