Workington Reds boss Derek Townsley could rest some of his star names tonight against county rivals Kendal Town, but is adamant that his team will be taking the Doodson League Cup seriously.

Reds will welcome Kendal to Borough Park in the first round of the Evo-Stik league competition (7.45pm ko).

Workington were dumped out of the same cup at the second round stage last season by Warrington Town at Borough Park after a 3-2 defeat.

Townsley has made it clear that it’s a competition he wants to progress in, but he could rest several first-team players who are carrying niggles.

James Earl, Josh Calvert and Joe McGee are all carrying knocks and could be given the night off against the First Division North side, which is the division below Reds.

Townsley said: “If we can, we might take the opportunity to rest one of two, but at the same time it’s still a competition we would like to progress in and, of course, we want to win the game.

“We want to win football matches. We want to keep the momentum going. We don’t have the luxury of taking things lightly and dismissing a cup competition. Every game we play we want to win.”

Kendal have made an inconsistent start to their league campaign.

They are 14th in the table after winning five, drawing five and losing four. Kendal have failed to pick up a win in their last six games in all competitions.

Reds beat Kendal 2-0 away from home in a pre-season game in August thanks to goals from Anthony Wright and Matty Tymon.

Workington will be aiming to keep the momentum going in their season after a solid 2-0 victory away at Sutton Coldfield Town lifted them into the play-off places.

Townsley was full of praise for his team’s performance, especially as several players were missing from the squad.

He said: “Credit it to them. It was one of those performances where everyone really dug in and they got the rewards for all their efforts.”

And on tonight’s opponents Kendal, Townsley added: “They have made a couple of additions. They are looking to push on, so it will be another tough game.”