Match Preview

Just in case anyone has been away recently. Don't go to the old ground this weekend (although there is overflow car parking there). It is the very first game at the new Mintbridge (the change seems to be it is now one word)

Turn up early - PLEASE !

You will want the time to look around the fabulous new facilities, but also there is bound to be some teething problems with the new technology at the gate (by saying that, hopefully I will be proved wrong), so allow the extra time to get everyone in, with what is sure to be a bumper crowd, joining Bill Beaumont, Mark Wilson and the Mayor of Kendal.

A big day and a tough task, with relegated Preston Grasshoppers sitting in second place, behind surprise package Lymm.
They are making their first visit since 2011/12, and have started the season with a narrow away win at Sandal, followed it up with a good win against Wirral, and then drew away at third place Hull, before like us getting a big win last weekend against the other promoted team Birkenhead Park.
With Lymm going to Hull, Hoppers will want to improve their place.

TEAM : The BIG surprise is Dini and Mike Fearon appear to have passed fitness tests, which is excellent news. After his good performance after coming on last week, Brett Ashley retains his place swapping wings, with Mark Carruthers returning to the Development team. Damian Armstong returns after being unavailable last week, with Danny Barker starting on the bench.
The pack is the one that started last week, with the one change being the return of Chris Downham on the bench, in place of Liam Hayton, so with Duncan Green also starting there it is another strong bench.

WEATHER : Changeable - i.e. the forecast for 3.00pm changes every time I look at it !
Earlier today (Friday) it was wet, now it is a 90% chance of being dry, so the new grandstand facilities may or may not get an early test.

Did I mention “GET THERE EARLY” !