Skipper Grant Davidson has praised Penrith AFC manager Andy Coyles as the Bonny Blues target a third straight win.

After a 3-1 home win over Stockton Town and a 5-3 victory at Bishop Auckland, Penrith are set to host Newcastle Benfield this afternoon (3pm kick-off).

The Cumbrians remain rooted to the foot of the Northern League Division One table but are now only six points behind second-bottom Whickham.

“Andy and the management team have been great for Penrith. They came with a clear set of goals which were to build for next season,” said Davidson.

“As you can see, this has already started to happen with the recent run of good results and, more importantly, the manner in which these results have come about.

“As long as the lads stick together for the remainder of this season, going into next year, I feel we can improve even more at Penrith.”

Those two victories have seen Penrith beat sides who sit third and sixth in the league table.

Davidson added: “I think, with the squad we’ve got now at Penrith, we’re certainly capable of competing in the Northern League. Don’t get me wrong, the Northern League is a very difficult league.

"But if our squad stays together, then there is no doubt we can compete in the league next season.”

Penrith will play Wigton Harriers next Saturday in their Cumberland Cup semi-final.