Workington Town face a long trip to Gloucestershire Old Golds in the quarter-final of the League One Cup.

They earned their place with a deserved 22-6 win at the Recreation Ground against Whitehaven.

Coach Dave Clark said: “That represents a new challenge for us and, although it is a long trek, I think it’s something we will look forward to.

“I’ve been pleased with how we have progressed through the pre-season, improving all the time.

“It was unfortunate for both teams that there was a delay of over an hour for the kick-off but once we got started, I was pleased how we responded.

“We have some experienced players now in the likes of Stuart Howarth and Phil Joseph and I think they are going to bring on the young players we have in the squad.

“It has taken time to get the present squad up and running and it’s a long season, so I’m sure there will be changes before we get through all the fixtures.

“But the way the lads are progressing has been very encouraging.

“We have the Challenge Cup next week at Newcastle and they have started very well, so that is going to be another test for us before we start the league programme against them the following week.”

The game had to be delayed by an hour and a quarter because the Whitehaven club’s medical kit was not completely up-to-date.

The doctor on duty had to obtain new drugs for potentially life threatening injuries and, once they were in place, the tie could get under way.

The defeat leaves Whitehaven without a win in five matches so far – four friendlies and a League One Cup tie.

Coach Carl Forster, who put in a strong shift on the field himself, clearly has issues to deal with as his side seem to lack creativity.

They have a must-win game on Saturday when they travel to West Hull to play the Conference Premier Division side in the Challenge Cup.

The League One season opens for them a week later with a trip to South Wales Ironmen.