MATCH PREVIEW: Able Cables will be a challenge

Workington’s excellent record against Prescot Cables will be put to the test on Saturday in the NPL Premier Division clash at Borough Park (3pm).

Steve Daley’s side have made a very promising start to the new term as they aim to better last season’s 10th position. They have banked eleven points from their nine games so far – nine on home soil and two on the road.

Cables are unbeaten at home, having recorded victories versus Hednesford Town and Morpeth Town with draws obtained against Stockton Town, Leek Town and Warrington Town. Particularly impressive was the 3-0 win against Hednesford in which Ben Elliott netted a hat-trick.

They have drawn at Ashton United and Warrington Rylands on their travels with their only defeats inflicted upon them at Ilkeston and Guiseley.

An early Cup exit was also experienced in a replay on home soil after they had obtained a commendable draw at Hyde United.

Cables are 13th after the midweek matches with Reds languishing in 20th, six points behind.

Last season, they established themselves well on their return to Step 3 football, emerging as a good, solid mid-table side. They finished above us in the table although we managed to beat them home and away, 2-0 on each occasion.

Darren Edmondson will be hoping that some of the injured are ready for a return with only three players, Alex Mitchell, Jack Dickinson and Luke Ellis starting every game to date.

In-form Dickinson missed his first game on Tuesday and joined the other absentees – Ceiran Casson, Kai Nugent, Tom Stephenson and Hayden Atkinson.

Dan Hopper became the latest debutant at Hebburn, the twenty-second outfield player used this term. He should be in line for his first home game in red on Saturday.

Kick-off: 3pm

• Prior to Saturday’s important first team game, the young Reds will host Spennymoor Town in the FA Youth Cup. That match, also at Borough Park, will be played on Friday (7.30pm).