MATCH PREVIEW: The only way is up

Whatever happens on Tuesday, Workington know their lowly league position cannot deteriorate.

They are looking up at the rest of the Premier Division ahead of the home match versus unbeaten Warrington Rylands (7.45pm).

Rylands, in contrast, have made an excellent start with two home wins and an away draw, they have never lost to the Reds and they have never finished below us in the table.

The rivalry is a recent thing but stems from the ’21-22 season when Rylands won the Division One West title, at our expense, on the last day of the season. We conceded fewer goals than Rylands that season, lost fewer games but, crucially, amassed one point less than they did.

There were even more bizarre statistics separating the clubs last season – we won one more match than they did, scored one more goal than them but their tally of 56 points was better than our 52 and saw them finish 11th with Reds 12th.

All three previous games at Borough Park have finished as a draw whilst the three encounters at Gorsey Lane have ended in an odd goal victory in Rylands’ favour.

Due to our current situation, I’m sure all Reds supporters would gladly take another draw – a win, though, would be a morale booster to all at the club.

Squad news still revolves around early season injuries although two of the holidaymakers are back in contention.

An important game, of that there is no doubt, and the team will appreciate our support as they bid for that elusive first point.

• The FA Cup draw has given Reds a home tie in the First Qualifying Round with either Stalybridge Celtic or Bury visiting Borough Park on 30 August. Three very important league fixtures before then of course.