by John Walsh

Last updated at 12:55, Monday, 08 October 2012

Skipper Dave Hewson is Workington’s main doubt ahead of tomorrow night’s FA Cup replay against Barwell at Borough Park.

David Hewson

The industrious Hewson was taken-off after 52 minutes on Saturday when Reds drew 1-1 at Kirkby Road – denied by a 92nd minute equaliser. He had taken a kick on the knee and was in some difficulty when he left the team coach after the return journey.

“It doesn’t look too good at this stage,” admitted Reds boss Darren Edmondson, “but we will have to see how it’s looking tomorrow night.

“We had one or two players who took knocks and kicks during the game.”

Reds were without Hewson’s fellow midfielder Mark Boyd for the Cup tie after he was unable to travel when his partner was taken into hospital.

Barwell, members of the Southern Premier Division, proved dogged opponents and were a bigger test than Blyth had been in the previous round. Yet once again Reds led until they were pegged back by a stoppage time equaliser.

“I thought we defended well throughout the game and the back five did particularly well. But they out-numbered us at the far post for the goal, although Aaran (Taylor) was unlucky. The header struck the post and then rebounded onto Aaran and into the net.

“It would have been good to see the game out and be in the draw on our own, but at least we are still in the competition and I hope we can finish-off the tie at Borough Park,” said Edmondson.

Barwell look as though they will also be without players for the replay – even if all the squad came through unscathed from the first game. Three of them cannot get time off work to make the long trip to west Cumbria from Leicestershire tomorrow.

The draw for the fourth and final qualifying round took place at lunch-time today and the winner of the tie will face Mansfield Town at home.

Reds have already banked £4,500 for their win over Blyth and there’s a further £7,500 for the winners of tomorrow’s replay.

“Obviously the further a team goes in the competition the more money it will pick up. At our level the cash generated by the FA Cup is so vital,” said Edmondson.

First published at 11:29, Monday, 08 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk