Preview: Workington v Gateshead

Workington coach Gary Charlton rates Darren King (shoulder) as having only 50/50 chance of playing against Gateshead, while Neil Fraser (knee) and John Lebbon (neck) are expected to miss out.

Charlton said: “We’ve still got to learn to play for 80 minutes rather than 40 because last week we didn’t do what we’d trained to do.

“Gateshead had a bad result against Batley but they came back from that and beat London.

“Most of the teams in Co-operative Championship One will be wanting three points out of their home games. We’re no different, but we’ve got to be on our guard because if we don’t play well then Gateshead will give us a real run for our money.”

Gateshead coach Chris Hood has a fully fit squad to select from. Karl Brandt, Robin Peers and Rhys Clarke are all available earlier than expected.

“That’s testament to their attitude and to the abilities of our medical staff,” said Hood.

He added: “I was happy that we were able to put that Batley game behind us and it was good to get a first win as a new team, but we’re still on minus three points.

“Having said that, the lads have really stepped up training this week and they’ve been absolutely buzzing.

“We played Workington in the Northern Rail Cup. They’re a big side and they play down the middle, with smart halfbacks working off that.

“They’ve had some tough results over the past few weeks, but Derwent Park is still a difficult place to go.”