Workington Reds will go into today’s FA Trophy clash at Leek Town with progression to the next round and a £3,000 cash prize in their sights.

Reds are set to face Town today (3pm kick-off) in a second round qualifying tie at Harrison Park and, despite his side having a title challenge to focus on in the NPL North West Division, manager Danny Grainger is not placing any less importance on his team’s trophy run.

The winners of the game will receive £3,000, with £1,000 going to the losers, and at Reds’ level that kind of prize is invaluable.

“I’ve always said I don’t go into any game – whether it’s in the league, Cumberland Cup, FA Trophy or whatever ­– with any mentality other than wanting to win that game,” he said.

“I want to bring success to Workington Reds and to do that you’ve got to win football matches.

“The trophy is also very important financially for the club, especially after going out of the cup so early which was a disappointment.

“We’ve got a great run in the trophy so far and we want to keep that going.

“When confidence is high and they’re playing as well as they are, they just want the next game to come along quickly.”

Grainger will have virtually a fully-fit squad to choose from for the game after a number of players with knocks came through training with no issues on Thursday night.

He also revealed there is a “high possibility” of a new signing arriving soon, with the player in question having trained with the squad, but even if he does sign the new arrival will not be eligible to feature today.

“Most of the players have come through,” Grainger said.

“Jim Atkinson has come through the training session fine.

“We’ve only got one player missing.

“When you look at the schedule we’ve had and the squad we’ve had, we’ve looked a little bit thin on the ground on a couple of games but the squad have dealt with it fantastically.”

Having seen his team keep back-to-back clean sheets against Tadcaster Albion in the last week, Grainger is also hoping to see the work ethic and determination to keep teams at bay continue.

“The two big positives out of the last two results have been the clean sheets,” he said.

“The back four and Jim [Atkinson] have been brilliant but it’s not just down to the defence.

“The front three have been pressing and the midfielders have done their jobs.

“I couldn’t be prouder of how the lads are doing.”

One player who won’t be available to help keep that impressive defensive foundation going this afternoon is young left-back Liam Brockbank.

The former Carlisle United defender has been in good form for Reds since his arrival at Borough Park in the summer and has again received a call-up for the England under-21 Futsal team.