MATCH PREVIEW: A rare visit to the Moor

Workington will resume their pre-season preparations on Tuesday when they make the short trip to the Travis Perkins Ground for friendly number four. They will take on West Lancashire League outfit, Cleator Moor Celtic, at Birks Road in an eagerly awaited derby.

Reds haven’t played a pre-season game there for thirteen years and it’s seven years since the first team played at the ground in a Cumberland Cup tie.

The last visit, in 2018, was for a Cumberland Cup semi-final with Celtic progressing to the final after a 5-3 penalty shoot-out win, following a 1-1 draw. Dav Symington and Jordan Little (Celtic) both converted penalties in the spot-kick decider but it was the hosts who finished winners on the night.

Jordan (probably still at school then) was also wearing green and white back in 2012 when Reds emerged 4-1 winners with Mark Boyd, Phil Storey, Mark Sloan and Stefan Scott sharing the Reds’ goals.

Darren Edmondson’s squad had the week-end off but Celtic were in action against a Carlisle United side which the latter won 4-2 in an entertaining game.

Reds will travel for the next three pre-season outings – Heaton Stannington and Whitehaven are next-up – before the final run-out against Carlisle United’s Youth squad. They lost at Queen of the South in the first pre-season game and subsequently drew against Penrith and Caledonian Braves.

Celtic start their league programme on 2 August, a week before Reds’ NPL opener versus Whitby Town.

Admission: Adult - £3, Concession - £2

Kick-off: 7pm

Postcode: CA25 5HP

Parking is restricted at the stadium and supporters are asked to consider local residents on Birks Road. Extra parking is available in the Cleator Moor Square area which is less than a two-minute walk from the ground.