MATCH PREVIEW: Double header
- Apr 3
- 2 min read
If Reds are to continue their excellent form over a hectic weekend, they are going to have to take points from two of the three teams they have never beaten in Northern Premier League action.
First up for Billy Barr’s squad is Saturday’s trip to Warrington Rylands who started the weekend in 4th position and need the points to aid their play-off aspirations.
And on Monday, Cleethorpes Town make their first ever appearance at Borough Park in what will be our penultimate game at the stadium.
Both games will kick-off at the traditional 3pm slot.
Reds have lost in all three previous visits to the Quickline Logistics Arena at Gorsey Lane and, until this season, had drawn three times against Rylands at Borough Park. Then, back in September, Neil Reynolds’ side tasted victory for the first time in Cumbria when Eric Yahaya’s second half goal decided a closely fought encounter.
Rylands finished 11th in the Premier Division last season, just above Reds in 12th, but this term they have been solid and consistent for most of the campaign and whilst we have been anchored to the foot of the table, they have occupied a top sixth berth throughout.
They have lost only three times at Gorsey Lane and have amassed 32 points at home and 26 on the road.
Like us, they have drawn a lot of matches (Rylands – 13, Reds – 12) but will be hoping for maximum points before their town derby on Monday.
Reds fans face a relatively short 135 miles journey down the M6.
Postcode: WA2 7RZ
Monday’s game will be another stern test against one of the form teams of the division with Cleethorpes Town well rested before their maiden visit to Workington. They got their Easter schedule underway on Thursday (2-1 winners over Stocksbridge Park Steels) and are racing towards the play-offs following a fantastic late run.
Last season’s East Division champions (93 points last term) have had a commendable first season at Step 3 and Craig Rouse should get the manager of the month accolade for March, despite Billy Barr’s heroics. They did lose one match earlier in the month but picked up fifteen points from four wins and three draws.
They travel the 207 miles from east to west on 53 points with three of those obtained at our expense in December. They emerged comfortable 2-1 winners thanks to Brad Abbott’s deflected goal and a Billy Whitehouse strike with Keelan Leslie responding with our final goal of 2025.
Billy Barr will have a near full squad available for the busy weekend and every player will be needed for the two games over three days.
