Manager Andy Coyles admits he wants to continue Penrith AFC’s recent good record in the Cumberland Cup, ahead of their quarter-final tie with Whitehaven AFC.

The Bonny Blues have reached the final, played at Carlisle United’s Brunton Park, in the last two seasons where they fell to defeats to Cleator Moor Celtic and Workington Reds - both losses coming after extra-time.

Coyles, a former Whitehaven AFC player who will come up against his former club tonight at Frenchfield Park (7.30pm kick-off), believes it's a great competition.

“It’s a fantastic cup that brings Cumbrian football and Cumbrian footballers together. It’s a cup, where you might question if one or two teams buy into it, but the vast majority I can certainly tell you that they do,” he said.

“It means everything to some folk. I only joined last year but I have been told Penrith have done well in it recently and it’s certainly a record we would like to continue.

“But we know we have an extremely difficult opponent in Whitehaven. 

“Looking at results of late and some of the players they have brought in, they are getting better and stronger.

"It will be a tough game. The team that want it more on the night will come out triumphant.”

Penrith, who announced the re-signing of keeper Stuart Dixon and the capture of Max Brown last Friday, come into the match on the back of a 4-1 loss at Northern League Division One leaders Dunston UTS.

That defeat came at a significant cost with both defender Michael Yarker (torn hamstring) and midfielder Steven Ainsworth (lower tibia) both sustaining injuries that will rule them out for the rest of the season.

Asked what he knows about his opponents who play in the West Lancashire Football League Premier Division, Whitehaven-born Coyles said: “I know a number of players that play for them.

“I know about the manager [Scott Redhead] by speaking to a few folk that have been in his presence over the years. I've had someone go down and watch them a few times, just to sound them out with the formation they play and moves they carry out – that type of thing. I feel that we are well equipped.”

So far, the Bonny Blues have beaten Gosforth 5-4 (after extra-time) and Carlisle City 3-2 to reach this stage of the competition.

Penrith last won the tournament in 2010.