Penrith's match tonight against Dunston UTS has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch

Jim Nichols thinks Penrith’s upcoming Cumberland Cup Final should urge his players to lift their game with places up for grabs.

The Bonny Blues were sitting in 16th place, ahead of the latest round of midweek fixtures and their home game against Dunston UTS in Northern League, Division One tonight (MATCH OFF).

Penrith came out on top in a penalty shootout this time last week against Carlisle City in their Cumberland Cup Semi-Final after a 1-1 draw.

But the Bonny Blues were brought back down to earth with a bump on Saturday as they were beaten 7-0 at home to Jarrow Roofing BCA with Dean Rea sent off in a first half, which Penrith ended already five goals down.

Penrith have still played the least league games of anyone in their league, five less than most and four less than the Fed, who are only one point above them.

Manager Nichols is hoping a chance to earn a place in the team for the final will at least give his players something to aim for throughout the rest of the season.

“Actually, this a real boost in terms of how their season is going to go,” the Bonny Blues boss said. “This keeps the lads involved, it keeps them interested.

“They have got something to aim for now and I think that’s a big thing because the last couple of years, we have sort of petered out towards the end of the season.

“If I’m one of those players, I want to play. I want to play in the cup final and it doesn’t matter who you are, that’s what you want to do - you want to win trophies.

“When it comes to whatever date it is in May [when the final will take place], they will all want to play.

“And the way they get into that starting XI is by impressing in the next games.

“Hopefully, that will give us a bit of a kick in the league, as well.”

Penrith, who are waiting to see whether they will face Workington Reds or Pirelli in the final, last made the last two of the competition in 2010, beating Gillford Park in that final.

And Nichols added: “Someone said to me, we haven’t been in a cup final for seven or eight years.

“So, it’s obviously a big thing and it’s a chance to get some silverware.”