There will be free admission to Penrith AFC’s Northern League, Division One match against Ryhope CW.

The Bonny Blues are teaming up with the Great North Air Ambulance Service to support national Non-League Day, with Penrith asking for donations to the Great North Air Ambulance Service instead of an entry fee this afternoon (3pm kick-off).

Penrith interim manager Andy Coyles, who lives in North Yorkshire and has family in west Cumbria, spoke in glowing terms about the charity.

“They are a charity I hold close to my heart and I think it’s a great idea,” he said.

“I hope everybody can dig deep, and dig a little deeper, and put something in, because anything - even if it’s something small - will go a long, long way for that charity.

“They have my utmost respect.”

Steve Haywood, secretary of Ryhope, said: “The officials, management, players and supporters of Sunderland Ryhope Colliery Welfare FC are proud to support Penrith Football Club’s charitable work in support of the Great North Air Ambulance Service appeal.”

Coyles’ charges are bottom of the league but claimed their first win of the season on Wednesday evening, beating Gosforth 5-4 after extra-time in their Cumberland Cup first-round tie.

Captain Grant Davidson netted an unlikely hat-trick from right-back for the Bonny Blues while Connor Shields scored Penrith’s other two goals before he was sent off for a second bookable by referee Scott Henry.

Former assistant manager Shaun Gardner was at Penrith’s cup clash at Frenchfield Park in midweek, with the striker set to return to the club as well as midfielder Adam Main.

Coyles added: “We are starting to get phone calls from players. Just 10 days ago, it was the other way around.

“We have brought a couple of players in. It’s a fresh start and a new beginning. There’s a great feeling to the club again. We have people who are playing for Westmorland League clubs approaching us to see if they can come down.

“And there are a few from further afield who play a couple of leagues above that want to here, which is a surprise because of where we are.

“But, hopefully, that can help us to move forwards.”