MATCH PREVIEW: Cumbrian Reds host Derbyshire Reds
Workington will renew acquaintances with old foes, Alfreton Town, at the Fibrus Community Stadium on Tuesday (7.45pm).
The rearranged Premier Division encounter will be the first meeting since the clubs went to battle in the Conference North promotion play-offs fifteen years ago, with the pair operating at different levels in the pyramid in recent times.
Historically, we have met eighteen times in the NPL with Reds winning eight of those matches, one less than Alfreton’s nine.
We squared up a dozen times in Conference North and we only managed two victories compared to the five Alfreton obtained.
The aforementioned play-offs also went in Town’s favour – they won 1-0 at Borough Park and then 3-1 at North Street – as they progressed to the final 4-1 on aggregate.
With just four points separating the teams, the fixture is important to both, especially after suffering defeat last time out.
We were disappointing in the home loss to Ashton United (0-1) whilst Town will be keen to make amends after falling 0-4 at Quorn, last Friday, their heaviest defeat to date.
Town’s home form has been very good (only Rylands and Bury have won at The Impact Arena) but their record on the road not so. They did win at Whitby Town back in August but have suffered six defeats on their travels.
Billy Barr will tweak the squad for the ninth midweek game of the season. Alfie Scales has been recalled by parent club, Morecambe, after four impressive performances so Alex Mitchell will return after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Brennan Dickenson is also available after serving his one match suspension.
The return match in Derbyshire will be next March.
