Workington Reds are sweating on the fitness of goalscorer Sam Joel ahead of tomorrow's trip to Hednesford.

Joel is a doubt after suffering a knock during Tuesday night's 1-0 win over Marine.

The in-form forward has four goals and two assists in eight games for Workington but Reds boss Dave Hewson said he would need to be assessed.

Hewson said: "There were a couple of niggles on Tuesday night but nothing too serious.

"The only potential doubt would be Sam Joel but we'll see how he is."

Reds will be boosted by the return of two of their more experienced players.

Conor Tinnion and Gari Rowntree are back available after serving out their respective suspensions.

"It's a big boost for the lads to have those two back because they're experienced and important players," added Hewson.

"Hednesford are a strong side as every side is and they beat us at home.

"They've got some very good players and are a nice, well-organised team.

"I don't take into account their league position because for me, for a lot of teams, it's false.

"But we know we're more than capable of getting something there."

Hewson said the aim over the final 10 league matches is to stay competitive, with Reds one point off the final play-off place with a game in hand.

"It's the same old cliché, we'll take it one game at a time," he said.

"We've seen the impact a victory can have on the table but we've also seen the impact a defeat can have.

"I think there are some ups and downs still to come but the most important thing is to stay within touching distance.

"It's been difficult over recent weeks but, when we analysed it and looked into the results, we've played games with 10 men and nine men, another game with 10 men.

"We were playing like that for long periods of those games and that mentally and physically takes its toll on the players."