WORKINGTON Reds will have to try and follow-up their first league away win tomorrow with a greatly reduced squad.

After the 2-0 Boxing Day win at Lancaster, Reds face a tough trip to South Shields and could be without up to five members of the regular squad.

Definitely out are Kyle May and Matty Douglas who face automatic suspensions after they were dismissed at the end of the feisty game with Scarborough Athletic on Saturday.

Both face three game bans after being shown straight red cards, which means they will also be unavailable for the New Year’s Day game at home to Stalybridge and the trip to Stafford on January 5.

On top of those two suspensions Jason Walker and Sam Smith are unavailable, while Aaran Taylor is attending a wedding.

Jamie Mellen, who was hurt in the game against Scarborough, had not recovered enough to play at Lancaster and will be the subject of a late fitness test ahead of the trip to the north east.

Acting manager Lee Andrews said: “Originally December 29 was a free date for us and some of the players made other family arrangements. Unfortunately the game at South Shields was then re-arranged which has obviously caused problems.

“I hope that Jamie should be ok to resume and Josh Calvert is also looking at a possible return. He has been out for three weeks with a heel injury so that’s a concern.”

South Shields, one of the clubs chasing a promotion place at this level for the first time, have a 100 per cent record at home, winning all nine League games so far.

“It will be obviously tough, given their record at home, but we are in a more confident mood after picking-up our first away win.

“There is plenty of spirit among the players and although we are down on numbers on Saturday, that’s what we have got a squad for,” said Andrews.

Reds, who have a better goal difference than the teams around them in the danger zone, are three points from safety but do have matches in hand on all their rivals.

The club is staying tight-lipped on their progress on appointing a new manager but are happy to have Andrews holding the reins.