Jim Nichols will face one of his closest friends in football when Carlisle City visit Hallmark Security League First Division North leaders Longridge.

New Sky Blues boss Nichols, a former goalkeeper, played under Longridge manager Lee Ashcroft at Kendal Town. Nichols then also followed Ashcroft to Northwich Victoria in 2012, becoming the club’s goalkeeping coach. 

But for this afternoon’s match (3pm kick-off), the duo will line-up in opposite dugouts as sixth-placed City travel to the Mike Riding Ground.

And Nichols, who yesterday completed the signings of midfielder Warren Douglas from Gretna 2008 and Sam Atkinson - who plays football for the UK Armed Forces team - knows his team are in for a big test.

“It will be really, really tough. I know the manager there,” he said. “He is probably actually one of my best mates in football. 

"He was my manager at Kendal for 7-8 years and he took me to Northwich so I know him particularly well.

“They are, obviously, flying at the top of the league. I know quite a few of the lads who are playing there. I have been around clubs where they have been and things like that. I know what they have to offer. 

“We know it’s going to be tough but there is no reason, if we turn up and give everything, that we can’t pick something up from the game. 

“The pressure is all on them. If they drop points, Avro are very close behind them. 

“It’s a bit of a shot in the dark for us. 

"We go there with no real pressure on us. No-one really expects us to win but we know, if we perform, we have the quality to do that.”

Former Carlisle United man Lee Hoolickin, James Earl and Michael Slack all missed City’s 2-1 home success over Ellesmere Rangers as they progressed to the First Division Cup semi-final last Saturday.

On the absence of the trio, Nichols said: “They are all struggling with knocks, really. They are all missing this weekend, as well.

“But we have brought in Warren Douglas from Gretna who gives us some more balance. He can play anywhere – centre midfield, centre-back or right-back – so he gives us two or three options. He’s a local lad.

“We have also brought in Sam Atkinson. He actually lives a long way away, but he comes home to visit his girlfriend most weekends. 

"They give us some more options.”