Derby double-header for Reds and Blues

The Cumbrian derby is back on the fixture list this week-end but, sadly, there will be no spectators in attendance at Borough Park to watch Danny Grainger take on his former employers, Carlisle United, for the first time as Reds’ manager.

And there is also a mini-derby scheduled when Brian Dawson’s Development Squad travel to play Mark Birch’s Youth team on Friday.

It will be the first Reds v. United clash played BEHIND CLOSED DOORS since a series of matches in the mid-eighties, and the importance of this traditional fixture as a fund raiser is emphasised by the fact that an aggregate 4,000 spectators have attended the last five encounters between the clubs.

Danny has featured as a ‘Blue’ in all of those games with United emerging comfortable winners on each occasion.

But the Reds boss would be the first to admit that this game has little to do with him and more about how the squad adapt to what will be the toughest pre-season test so far.

They have comfortably disposed of Carlisle City (5-2) and Penrith (6-2) so far but Chris Beech’s newly assembled squad will provide a more testing ninety minutes.  The Blues played at Fleetwood Town (2-4) earlier this week so they, too, are up and running after all the uncertainty over the last few months.

Fans who will be following the game by any means possible may like to chip in a few quid to support the half-time draw (via www.workingtonafc.com) with a cash prize for the winner.

Supporters of both teams can follow the match on social media and via the Live Scoreboard for a running text commentary of the game.