By John Fuller

Last updated at 09:50, Saturday, 03 January 2009

Workington Reds will be looking to bounce back from their Boxing Day defeat and secure their first three points of 2009 later today.

The Borough Park outfit went down 1-0 to Fleetwood in their last game of 2008. The loss also ended a good spell for Workington who were at that point unbeaten in seven matches.

Reds, who travel to Stafford Rangers, sit seven places and seven points below their hosts. With two games being called off over the festive period, Workington have slipped to 18th in the Blue Square North but have games in hand on their rivals.

It is a 386 mile round-trip to Marston Road to take on Chris Brindley’s men. The new gaffer will also be looking for a good start to the year after taking over the hot seat from Steve Bull. Brindley was Bull’s assistant and made the step up after the former Wolves legend left last month.

Reds have been boosted with the news that Lee Andrews is hoping to be back in action in time for the clash with Barrow in the FA Trophy.

Next weekend’s game will be Andrews’ first since early December. A niggling knee injury has been the problem for the former Carlisle United man, who has been in sensational form this season.

News on midfielder Craig Johnston isn’t as good. The 25-year-old requires a full knee reconstruction after snapping tendons, ligaments and causing muscle damage in the 1-1 draw with KIng’s Lynn.

On-loan defender Darren Campion is set to extent his one-month spell to a second month. The Carlisle prospect has been solid in the absence of Andrews and even scored the winner against King’s Lynn on his debut.

While one man aiming to go the other way is hoping to earn a contract with the League One club. Adam Collin has been training two-days a week with the Blues but no move is on the cards just yet.

The team is likely to be the same that lost on Boxing Day, with Tony Hopper restored to the side. He missed the 4-3 win over King’s Lynn due to work commitments.

That means that new recruit Andy Langford will have to settle for a place on the subs bench.

Martyn Coleman left the club last week to join neighbours Penrith. The young striker is joining the army in February and is hoping to play some first team games to build fitness before he embarks on a career in the forces.

Likely starting XI: Collin, Hewson (c), Rowntree, May, Campion, McLuckie, Vipond, Hopper, J.Wright, Arnison, A.Wright.

First published at 09:00, Saturday, 03 January 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk