Reds defender Jake Simpson says his side will be a scalp in this year's Cumberland Cup as they start the defence of their title tonight.

Reds welcome Aspatria to Borough Park for a 7.45pm kick-off in a repeat of last season's final when Reds ran riot and won 4-1.

The teams are meeting in the second round of the competition this evening with a place in round three the reward for the winner.

Reds won the competition just days after losing the play-off final to Salford and Gareth Arnison, Anthony Wright, Conor Tinnion and Scott Allison all scored.

Simpson said: "Aspatria are a local team who'll look to turn us over but we go into it with a strong squad.

"We'll prepare for it in the same way we would prepare for a league game and hopefully we'll get through to the next round."

Reds were beaten 2-1 in their last game on Saturday by Stafford Rangers, which halted a mini revival.

They had won their previous two games prior to Saturday against Warrington and Ashton.

Captain Gari Rowntree is hoping to play for at least 30 minutes tomorrow, but long-term absentees Joe McGee and Anthony Wright won't feature.

Simpson added: "We went into Saturday with that extra bit of confidence as we were starting to get that form back.

"We hope Saturday was a blip and we'll get back to winning ways.

"The cup is always an extra little buzz. We've always got to prepare properly, but we've got a chance of being in the next round."