Workington Reds boss Dave Hewson is looking to his big names to get their league campaign off to an explosive start against Halesowen Town tomorrow.

Reds begin the new Evo Stik Northern Premier Division season at Borough Park, ko 3pm.

And Hewson, along with co-manager Lee Andrews, is hoping his experienced players will lead from the front.

"There are a number of players with so much experience of playing at this level and even higher at the club," said Hewson.

"The likes of Aaran Taylor, Jake Simpson, Dan Wordsworth, Anthony Wright, Conor Tinnion and Scott Allison are all names that we have spoken about for a number of years now.

"They have been with us for a long time now and have been hugely important to us over the past few seasons.

"We expect them to carry on where they left off last season.

"They are all big players and we are expecting more of the same from them this year."

Tinnion is the only player with a doubt hanging over him ahead of the Halesowen encounter.

Tinnion, who was named last term's players' player and supporters player of the year, is still troubled with a hamstring injury and Hewson says they will not play him unless he was fully fit.

"He is such an important player to us so if we have to rest him now to ensure he is right for the longer term then so be it," added Hewson.

Hewson admitted they had rested a few players in their final pre-season friendly at Clitheroe on Saturday but said it was precautionary.

Dan Wordsworth did not play in the game while Jake Simpson, Rob Wilson and James Earl all picked up knocks.

But Hewson is confident that they will all be fit to fight their way into contention.

The only other player who will definitely miss out is skipper Gari Rowntree, who is not yet fully fit.

Rowntree broke his ankle in the play-off semi-final at Stourbridge at the end of last season and after recovering from the break he is now back in training to get match fit.

In his absence goalkeeper Aaran Taylor will take the captain's armband on Saturday.

The opening game is key for any club and Reds are no different in wanting to start well.

Hewson added: "We always want to get that first win done and dusted and out of the way.

"We have always started quite slowly, which is a bit frustrating, but to quote the old cliche we just have to take it one game at a time.

"It is hectic at the start, playing Tuesday and Saturday for the first couple of months.

"So we just want to get the first game out of the way, hopefully get a win and continue from there.

"Hopefully we will get a big crowd down to get behind the lads it is nice to start at home before we have a couple of tough away games."