NRC Preview: Workington v Swinton

Town coach Gary Charlton has confirmed that both Liam Finch and Joe McKenna will be available for Sunday’s Northern Rail Cup clash with Swinton.

Charlton said: “Liam Finch didn’t play on Saturday because of a knee knock but he should be available this weekend, while Joe McKenna is absolutely fine.”

He added: “Swinton will have plenty of experience in their team and they’ll be very organised. Ian Watson and Paul Smith will have them going well and they’ll be able to keep their structure with those two out on the pitch. We’ve got to combat that.

“We haven’t got the experience that they’ve got but we’ve certainly got plenty of experience.”

Lee Wingfield (broken hand) is one of three confirmed Swinton absentees this weekend.

Paul Southern and Alex McClurg will also be missing after undergoing operations during the off-season that are likely to keep them out until the start of the Co-operative Championship One campaign.

Lions coach Paul Smith said: “We don’t really know what to expect from Workington.

“They’ve got quite a new team compared to last year. They’ve improved their squad and while it’s always tough to go up there, this season I think it will be even tougher.”