Manager Andy Coyles admits Penrith AFC are under no illusions at the tough task ahead as they host fifth-placed Stockton Town.

The Anchors are unbeaten in seven ahead of today’s encounter at Frenchfield Park (3pm kick-off). Meanwhile, bottom side Penrith have still claimed just one Northern League Division One win all season.

But some of the Bonny Blues’ better recent performances have come at home. 

Coyles said: “Stockton are last season’s FA Vase finalists. They are unbeaten in seven. It certainly doesn’t get any easier.

"But our home form has been extremely pleasing since just before Christmas. So, let’s see what today brings. But we are under no illusions it will be an extremely tough game.”

Despite their league struggles this term, Penrith have reached the Cumberland Cup semi-final and have brought keepers Jonny Jamieson, Stuart Dixon and former player-boss Kyle May back since the turn of the year.

“Speaking to a couple of the lads who are with us now, they have said certain players have asked if they can come back to the club [now] or re-join for next season,” he said.

“Previously, I was trying to ring everyone to try to get them through the door. Now, they are actually approaching our own players to see if they can come or come back.

"It’s a sign of good times. If we weren’t doing things in the correct way, we wouldn’t be getting these calls from players to see if they could join.”