WORKINGTON Reds are still waiting on a late fitness check for Dan Wordsworth ahead of their FA Trophy tie at home to Ramsbottom United.

Wordsworth missed last week’s 2-1 defeat at Matlock, although he had travelled with the team and was prepared to play after suffering a rib injury in the previous game with Hednesford.

However, after a short test before the game right after arriving at Causeway Lane, knew he was unable to be involved.

Reds joint boss Dave Hewson said: “We are going to leave it as late as possible just to see how he’s coming on.

“I suppose it will be about 50-50, but he has a chance.

“Unfortunately, Josh Calvert won’t be ready to resume and it could be another two weeks with a heel injury.

“He picked it up at Stalybridge three weeks ago, played the first half against Hednesford but did not travel to Matlock.

“He’s been told it’s bone bruising to the heel and we are going to see what it’s like in two weeks. If he’s not ready, then he will have to have further investigation.”

Other than the two defenders, Reds have no other concerns ahead of what promises to be an interesting tie against an in-form side from the league below - Evo-Stik West this afternoon (3pm kick-off)

“I’ve spoken with a manager in their league and they are obviously on a good run, but we want to focus on ourselves and what we are capable of doing,” said Hewson.

“While respecting the opposition, we want to concentrate on what we do well as a team.

“We are at a home, want to get on the front foot and dominate.”

There’s a prize of £6,000 for the winners and Reds have already netted more than £12,000 for success in the competition.

Progress in the competition, however, has meant the postponement of Evo-Stik Premier Division games and, today, Reds should have been hosting Warrington Town.

Next week’s home clash with Scarborough Athletic (already 1-0 losers at Borough Park in an earlier round of the FA Trophy) starts a busy Christmas and New Year period - Lancaster (away), Boxing Day; South Shields (away), December 29 and Stalybridge (home), New Year’s Day.

Ahead of kick-off, a special presentation will be held, which will see John Hopper, father of popular former Reds midfielder Tony Hopper who died in October, presented with a framed No.8 Workington shirt.

It was one Tony wore 269 times for the Reds, 54 of them as captain, and will bear his name long with the inscription - Always a Red.