After just two training sessions, Reds will burst into match action at Whitehaven on Tuesday (7.30pm) when they play the first of nine pre-season fixtures.

They will compete for the Shaun Hocking Memorial Trophy against Paul Brown’s side, just forty eight hours before Carlisle United visit Borough Park.

Last year, Reds lifted the cup following a nine goal thriller with Conor Tinnion scoring twice in a 6-3 victory, the highest scoring contest in the series so far. It completed a hat-trick of victories for Reds after Whitehaven won the inaugural tournament in 2011.

Some first team regulars are unavailable because of work commitments, so those who joined the club on trial will be given game time alongside more familiar faces.

Matty Tymon will be hoping to find the target against his former club having scored for Whitehaven against Reds in both 2012 and 2013, albeit in defeat.

Whitehaven start their Wearside League programme on 1st August but, like Reds, have just returned to training.

• Shaun Hocking was the former chairman of Whitehaven AFC having previously been involved with Workington. He was a popular member of the Reds Supporters’ Association during the mid seventies.