Boss Danny Grainger hopes Workington Reds can carry the momentum from their free-flowing second-half performance on Saturday into tonight’s trip to Trafford (7.45pm kick-off).

Reds got their campaign off to the perfect start with a 4-1 win against Pickering Town at Borough Park, kicking on after a sluggish first half to blow their visitors away after the restart.

David Symington carried his pre-season goal-scoring form into the season as he scored twice on the opening day while Brad Hubbold and Ceiran Casson also got on the scoresheet to hand Grainger a win in his first competitive game as a manager.

The west Cumbrians face a quick turnaround ahead of the first away game of the campaign, which gives Reds a chance to build some early momentum in the NPL North West Division.

“I think there were a few nerves on Saturday and that was quite evident in the first half,” Grainger said.

“When a team looks to comes back from relegation, there’s a bit of expectation and obviously there’s a new manager, new players and other factors.

“I thought, second half, we were fantastic and if we can replicate that, we’ll go to Trafford and hopefully keep up the momentum with the same result.

“Everyone came to the forefront, stepped up and put in the performances we wanted.”

The Reds manager has done his homework on tonight’s opponents – who lost 2-1 at Tadcaster Albion on Saturday – but is keen to focus on his own players and ensure they maintain the standards they set at the weekend as they look to secure another three points and set the pace in the division.

He said: “I’ve spoken to people about Trafford that I trust and we know a little bit about them but I’ll concentrate on us.

“If the lads play like they’ve shown they can, we know that we’ll have a good chance of getting a good result."

Grainger does not have any fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip but Ash Kelly will be left out of the squad due to a personal commitment, as will Owen Bell, while Sam Smith is not yet ready to feature.

“We wanted about 20 players in the squad that could step in and fill the void so I’m happy to rotate,” he said.

“I’ve also spoken to the young lads in the reserves and said I’m not scared to give them a chance if some of the senior players aren’t fully fit or are unavailable.”

Speaking to Trafford’s official website, the Baker Boys’ manager Tom Baker said he was “highly frustrated” to see his side lose on the opening day as they conceded a late goal after what he felt was an encouraging performance.

He said: “We need to try and put a few things right on Tuesday and we’re looking forward to doing that.”