Workington Reds boss Lee Andrews is hoping to get in the winning habit early - as they play their opening friendly at Whitehaven Amateurs tomorrow night.

The two sides will clash for the Shaun Hocking Memorial Trophy at Whitehaven's County Ground, kick off 7.30pm.

And although it is only the first of eight friendlies Reds have lined up, Andrews is keen to get off to a flyer.

"We always say that results don't matter in pre-season but we always want to win matches," admitted Andrews.

"At the end of the day winning gets to become a habit and then we can start the season with the positive form we need."

Defenders Dan Wordsworth is a slight doubt for the clash, after he tweaked his knee in training.

Captain Gari Rowntree is also unlikely to feature as he continues his recovery from injury.

But Andrews is confident the remainder of the squad will get a run-out.

"It will be a mix between everyone we had last season and a couple of lads from the reserves," said Andrews.

"There is also a young lad called Jamie Mellon who might get some game time.

"This match is mainly about fitness and lads getting a first touch of competitive football for the new season.

"Hopefully we can get as much as we can out of it, with lads back on the pitch."

And Andrews says they will perhaps have a look at different formations as they look ahead to the new Northern Premier League term, which begins next month.

"It is an opportunity to look at new formations so that if personnel change during the year then we know what we can do," he added.

After tonight Reds will then cross the border to compete in the Raydale Cup over the coming weekend.

Workington will play Annan Athletic on the Saturday after Gretna 2008 host Carlisle United Youth in the opening match.

On the following day, Reds will play either Gretna or Carlisle United Youth at a kick-off time determined by Saturday’s results.