Workington Town will take on Whitehaven in the annual Ike Southward Memorial Trophy at Derwent Park on Sunday, January 13 (3pm kick-off).

Southward, a Town legend and former GB ace, coached both the west Cumbrian clubs and the silverware has moved backwards and forwards between them since his death in 2006.

Oldham paid Workington Town a straight cash world-record transfer fee of £10,065 for Southward at the start of the 1959-60 season, before Town then paid Oldham a straight cash world-record transfer fee of £11,002 10s 0d for Southward’s return during the 1960-61 season.

Town will be looking to win back the trophy after losing out 30-12 at the Recreation Ground last season.

Town chairman Les Smallwood: "The Ike Southward memorial game is always the highlight of our pre-season build-up. 

"Not only is it a compelling fixture, but it also celebrates our club’s link with a club legend and his fantastic family who are still strong supporters of Town.

"It’s such a great fixture as it gives us a yard stick for the season ahead. Most importantly, we pay our respects to a Workington Town icon.

"We now have two friendly fixtures announced against Huddersfield and Whitehaven and, after our pre-season started this week, the countdown to the start of 2019 is properly under way."

And Whitehaven chairman Tommy Todd said: "It’s always bigger than a friendly for both clubs and it’s a great game at the start of the season.

"I knew Ike fondly and I was on the Whitehaven board when he was coach back in the 70s.

"It’s the game that both sets of fans talk about and [coach] Gary Charlton will have his side ready to defend the trophy that we won last season.

"Both clubs will be hoping for a good gate on the day."

The gate money will split and helps boost coffers for the League One season ahead.

Todd added: "It will be a litmus test for both clubs who will be looking to get out of League One and into the Championship."

Haven have another friendly again Championship outfit Barrow Raiders but Todd said that he was hoping to get a third friendly organised at home.