Tony Hopper returns to boost Workington Reds for Telford trip

By Martin Morgan

Last updated 11:30, Saturday, 04 October 2008

Workington Reds will profit from today’s trip to AFC Telford, says boss Darren Edmondson – if they can repeat their FA Cup heroics shown against Harrogate.

Welcome back: Tony Hopper

The Cumbrians drew home and away against fancied Harrogate before going out of the cup on penalties on Tuesday night, and Edmondson was delighted with his team’s fighting spirit.

“Harrogate’s manager and chairman said we deserved to win both games by a mile,” Edmondson said. “And the chairman added that we were the best team they had played this season.

“It’s easy to make such comments after you’ve won a game, but he was being genuine and honest.

“I was absolutely gutted for the lads, given the amount of work they had put in, but with the same work-rate and determination today, I’m sure we will get points.

“Maybe we are starting to mature and realise what we need. If it’s been a long journey you can say you are tired or your legs are stiff, but if you are not mentally in the right frame of mind, it won’t happen for you.”

Tony Hopper returns to action today but Craig Johnston is unavailable, while doubts remain over striker Jonny Wright, who has a badly bruised toe.

“Jonny Wright didn’t train on Thursday night and the toe is still swollen,” Edmondson added. “He’s been hoping to get an X-ray, and we can patch him up the best we can. But whether he’ll be fit enough to start, I don’t know.”