Workington Reds manager Derek Townsley has warned his side against being on the wrong end of a cup scalp against Kirkoswald today.

Reds will travel to the Westmorland Football League side’s home ground in the second round of the Cumberland Cup (1.30pm ko).

Workington will be wary of a cup upset, especially after they were beaten 2-1 at home to Whitehaven AFC in the same round last season.

Although Townsley will use the game to give fringe players an opportunity and rest several first-team stars, he insists his side be fully focused on progressing to the next round.

He said: “It will be opportunity to give the lads who haven’t had as much game time a match. It will be a useful exercise.

“I never disrespect the opposition. We don’t want a cup exit.

“It’s a huge game for them but it’s a competition we haven’t done as well in for the last few years. This year we want to make an effort and progress in the county cup.

“People in Workington expect the club to progress. We just felt this year we would approach it differently and see if we can progress.

“When you get the lower league clubs they will see it as a big game and we will certainly approach it that way.

“Kirkoswald will want a cup upset and that’s what we look to avoid.

“Ourselves, Penrith and Carlisle will be a cup scalp.”

Kirkoswald are currently fifth in the First Division of the Westmorland Football League after four wins, two draws and two loses.

One player who will definitely not be in action today is Reds captain Gari Rowntree.

The left-back is suspended after being sent off for a second bookable offence in Reds’ 2-1 away at Stamford earlier this month.