There will be chances for Penrith AFC players to impress player-boss Kyle May as they visit Whitley Bay in the Brooks Mileson Memorial Cup.

The Bonny Blues have been in good form of late, although their five-game unbeaten run was ended on Saturday as they were beaten 2-1 by West Auckland Town.

May's men trailed 1-0 at the break at Frenchfield Park after Alex Francis gave the visitors the lead.

Penrith hit back soon after the restart through substitute Andy Murray-Jones, but Workington Reds favourite May was then sent off as he received two bookings in quick succession, and Nathan Fisher netted the crucial third goal of the game for West to earn them the points.

Ahead of their third-round tie at Hillheads Park (7.45pm kick-off), May said he would be looking at giving some of those who had played at the weekend a rest.

"We have the League Cup game tonight which will be used for what we see its purpose being," he said.

"It will give some players in the squad a chance to show us what they can do."

With centre-back May himself now due to serve a ban, he admitted there would be opportunities for some of the Bonny Blues' squad to cement a place in the side.

He said: "With injuries and suspensions, there will be changes in the team, and people will get the chance to come in."

One player who could be due to make his first away appearance for Penrith this evening is Kian Smart, who joined the Bonny Blues on a work experience basis from Preston on Friday and played the first 45 minutes on Saturday.

"It wasn't an easy game for him to start. It was hard, especially coming into the Northern League from where he's been," May added.

"It's never easy for an 18-year-old but it's given him an insight into what this league is all about. It's probably something he needs to work on for his next game."