Workington Town are hoping to attract a bumper four-figure crowd to Derwent Park on Good Friday as they face-off against rivals Whitehaven in a highly-anticipated League One showdown.

With both clubs showing form in the league this season, it promises to be a tasty encounter and Town chairman Les Smallwood is hoping that the rugby league-loving west Cumbrian community will head to Derwent Park in their droves to watch (ko 3pm).

“Whitehaven’s support is on the up and our home crowds are 30-40 per cent up on the corresponding fixtures from last year,” said Smallwood.

“So, all being well, we are looking at more than 1,500 and possibly 1,800 which would be just brilliant.

“It will show the support for rugby league that is in the area.

“Both clubs are working hard on encouraging youngsters to build a future.

“And a good crowd would give both boards some confidence going forward that, with a successful side, we can attract some of the lost supporters back.”

Smallwood praised the Town fans who followed them down to Leeds last weekend for the Challenge Cup clash and said everyone at the club appreciates the support they give.

“We had over 500 Town fans at Leeds and they sang their hearts out,” he added.

“At the end of the game the Leeds supporters were saying how good our fans had been with them and they thanked our fantastic support which is great to hear.

“We have had a couple of good days out with Bradford last season and then Leeds, and it shows that if we have a successful team the fans will come in numbers.”