Distington will enter their first ever Challenge Cup tie labelled as underdogs but that's just how they like it said their chairman Mark Askew.

The village side won the Cumbria Men's League last season which earned them a place in the opening round of the prestigious cup competition.

And they were handed an away tie to National Conference League division one outfit Normanton Knights tomorrow.

"We know the standard of the National Conference League is very good. It is the best of amateur rugby league so we know what to expect in that regard," said Askew.

"We know we will be the underdogs and have probably been written off already by other people and other teams.

"But the confidence, enthusiasm and determination we can feel in the squad is overwhelming for the staff and coaches.

"The lads are really focused on the game and taking it very seriously, it is great to see."

Distington were founded back in 1986 and this will be the first time they have been invited into the Challenge Cup.

But getting to this point is even more special as the club folded for around four years back in 2001 due to a lack of playing numbers.

"For the past 11 years every single season we have seen a progression," he added.

"Then we won the Cumberland Cup in 2014 and last year we won the league and the Amateur Cup."

Askew paid tribute to long-serving coach Carl Hewer, who hails from Distington.

"We wouldn't want anyone else as our coach, he is fantastic and the lads have ultimate respect for him," said Askew.

Distington are up for the challenge tomorrow and have been back in training four times a week since the start of January, including fitness and boxing sessions as well as getting on the pitch.

But now it is all down to the players, led by captain and BARLA Great Britain prop Aiden Worthington.

"Aiden has played for Distington since he was about eight years old," said Askew. "He is extremely fit and his passion for the club and the game is unbelievable.

"Our squad is pretty much the same as last year with the addition of Kieran Ritchie who joins his two brothers at the club.

"They have both had a massive impact for us since they joined with Bryan being picked for the BARLA GB U23 tour to Jamaica.

"We also had four players in the county squad that won the championship. Aiden and Bryan, plus Phil Lister and Gavin Martin which was a big achievement."

And added to this line-up is key playmaker Scott George.

"He is a big talker and basically runs the show for us," added Askew. "his impact is outstanding for us."

Distington will take a 30-man squad to Normanton, with a few supporters also heading to West Yorkshire to cheer them on, kick off 2pm.