by Martin Morgan

Last updated at 10:24, Saturday, 12 May 2012

Workington Town are banking on their watertight defence to stand firm in tomorrow’s big test against promotion rivals Barrow Raiders (3pm).

Gary Charlton

Town have conceded an average of just 12 points per game in the league this term, far fewer than any of their Championship One rivals. And coach Gary Charlton believes it could be a factor in a close game at Craven Park.

“We are probably two evenly-matched teams, and it’s about who does the little things right,” he said. “We have worked on our defence and conceded only 72 points in six matches, which is pretty good. We are happy with how we are going.

“Barrow have a good crowd that follow them, and it will be a great atmosphere with two of the so-called better teams in the division. We’ll know better after Sunday how things are going to pan out this season.”

Warrington Wolves youngster Ryan Shaw, a Barrow Island youth product, this week joined Raiders on dual registration, and is in contention tomorrow.

“He’s a great acquisition for Barrow and fits in nicely with what they are doing,” Charlton said. “But they have a lot of good players and we can’t just look after one.

“Liam Harrison is another. You would love to have him in your team. We have to stop him going forward, but we can’t give him special treatment.”

Raiders boss Darren Holt had a successful stint as a Town playmaker before returning to Barrow this year, where he has turned the club in to a strong force.

But with Workington boasting a new look this term, Charlton does not believe his counterpart’s knowledge of the club will hand Barrow a big advantage.

“We are a different team to last year, with quite a few players coming in and going out,” he said. “Everybody looks at the DVDs of other teams, trying to pick up weaknesses, and Darren will be no different.

“He will know how we play and we know how they play. Whoever cuts out the errors and gives away least penalties will probably win the game.”

Full-back Brett Carter returns for Town following suspension.

First published at 08:58, Saturday, 12 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk