MATCH PREVIEW: Haven game has benefits

Workington’s annual visit to Whitehaven is beneficial to three parties. The two teams look at the fixture as an important part of their pre-season schedule but, perhaps just as important as the football, is the charity aspect of the annual meeting.

Tuesday’s game is in memory of Shaun Hocking who served his hometown club as chairman for many years and, prior to that, was a keen Workington Reds follower and an active member of the Supporters’ Association.

British Polio is the chosen charity and thousands of pounds have been raised in the last decade and a half. Last year’s game raised £1,150.

Whitehaven start their West Lancashire League season next week so should be at a good level of fitness, providing Reds with a competitive, stern test. They go into the game as holders of the Shaun Hocking Memorial Trophy after emerging 2-1 winners twelve months ago, just their second outright win in the series.

That game was Mark Fell’s first in charge and the hosts established a two-goal lead by half time – an own goal and a Robbie Swinburn effort. Josh Galloway reduced the arrears with a debut goal but Whitehaven claimed the victory.

Haven have experienced mixed results in their friendlies whilst Reds have won twice and drawn twice after losing at Queen of the South.

Darren Edmondson has used thirty-three players in those five games with just Alex Mitchell, Josh Galloway, Jack Dickinson, Will McGladdery, Kai Nugent and Louis Pickering featuring in all of them.

The manager left key marksmen, David Symington and Steven Rigg, out of the squad which travelled to the north east on Saturday and their fitness will be assessed ahead of the game.

Reds conclude their pre-season matches on Saturday when a Carlisle United side visits Borough Park.

Kick-off: 7pm

Admission: £5 and £3 (U16s)

Venue: The Whitehaven AFC stadium is adjacent to Whitehaven RLFC with access via Coach Road (CA28 9DD).

Limited parking is available.