James Tose is looking forward to going back to his old club as Carlisle City visit Penrith.

The Bonny Blues will host their Hallmark Security League opponents tonight (7.30pm kick-off) in a Cumberland Cup semi-final tie.

Tose was in charge at the Frenchfield Park outfit from 2008-2011, joining as joint manager alongside former Carlisle United player Richard Prokas.

“It is nice to go back to an old club that you have managed,” said the City boss.

“I have fond memories there from the very successful time that we had we had there.

“Funnily enough, we won the Cumberland Cup [beating Gillford Park 6-0 in 2009/10] as manager there. So, there is no reason why we cannot go there and give them a game.”

The two teams met in a pre-season friendly with Penrith racking up a 6-0 win, with Kevin Connelly netting a hat-trick in that game.

At the time of the game, Matt Henney was in charge of the Bonny Blues, before he was eventually replaced by Jim Nichols.

And City’s boss Tose is expecting a completely different match this time around.

He said: “It will be nothing like the pre-season game, I’m sure because we had half a team out that day.

“Penrith might be surprised at our quality.”

Nichols’ men will themselves be eyeing a place in the final on the back of a 4-3 victory at Marske United on Saturday.

Martyn Coleman struck twice for the Bonny Blues, while Bobby Atkinson and substitute Shaun Gardner were also on the scoresheet as Penrith came from behind three times in the win.

Penrith have beaten Braithwaite, Northbank and Silloth to reach this stage of the competition, while Carlisle City have already seen off Alston Moor Sports Club, Greystoke and Netherall this season.

In the other semi-final, Pirelli will play current Cumberland Cup holders Workington Reds.