MATCH PREVIEW: Cup holders in town

Tuesday night football at Borough Park sees Reds host Carlisle City in The Fred Conway Cumberland Cup semi-final (7.45pm).

Jim Nichol’s Northern League side make a rare visit to Borough Park hoping to repeat last season’s result in the competition.  They knocked Reds out at the quarter final stage with Jordan Palmer scoring both goals in their 2-0 success at Gillford Park.

Indeed, Reds’ record against the Sky Blues is not the best (one win and three defeats) in the Cumberland Cup but they have re-dressed the balance by winning all of the recent pre-season clashes between the sides.

A long list of players has served both clubs over the years and there could be a sprinkling of ex. Reds in the City line-up for the last four tie.

The winners will meet Penrith in the final at Brunton Park on a date to be confirmed.  Penrith progressed through their semi-final at Whitehaven last week with ex. Reds Development Squad striker, Matty Foster, scoring one of the goals.

City lifted the trophy last season, an emphatic 4-0 victory over Wetheriggs United, and also won the Northern League Second Division title.

This season, the holders have enjoyed a comfortable passage to the semi-final, recording high scoring wins over Braithwaite, Maryport Athletic and Unisun Athletic and netting 28 goals.

They are currently in the lower half of the Northern League First Division but will provide Reds with a stern test under the Borough Park floodlights.

Danny Grainger will shuffle the squad like he did in the previous round with Ben Hughes hoping to continue his rehab with more game time.  He played the first half against Carlisle United and suffered no reaction.

Admission:

Adult – £8

Concession – £5

U15s – free