Whitehaven have been forced onto the back foot for Sunday’s League One Cup clash with local rivals Workington Town.

Injuries and suspensions are mainly responsible for ruling out up to eight players for the first programmed competitive fixture of the season.

Town won the Ike Southward Memorial Trophy game with Whitehaven a fortnight ago 32-16, and with their hosts selection options reduced, will start as favourites at the Recreation Ground.

Whitehaven have two former Workington players Elliott Miller and Karl Olstrum suspended, while a third Connor Holliday is also banned.

Dion Aiye is close to completing his visa issues in Papua New Guinea but won’t be back in time to take any part in the derby.

Player of the season in 2016, second row forward Dave Allen is missing with a chipped ankle bone while it looks as though Scott McAvoy won’t be risked.

Club captain McAvoy, who underwent a knee operation in the summer, came back against Town at Derwent Park and was an influential figure in his time on the field.

But he has suffered a reaction and hasn’t been completing full training sessions since.

A couple of other players are still nursing knocks and are unlikely to be risked for the League One Cup clash.

Chairman Tommy Todd said: “It’s not the best of situations with so many players missing but it does give opportunities to others.

“Four defeats in the friendly matches was not what we were expecting so there has to be an improvement, irrespective of who is pulling on the shirt.

“We are still confident that when we do have a full squad to pick from, we will be capable of challenging strongly in League One.”

After Sunday, Whitehaven will travel to either West Hull or Thatto Heath in the third round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup.

The two amateur sides will shape-up on Saturday after the tie was postponed last weekend because of a waterlogged pitch.

That will lead Haven into the opening League One test at South Wales Ironmen when several of their missing players should be ready to return.