Workington Reds must get used to being the “biggest game of the season” for opposing teams, if they are to go on and lift the NPL North West Division title, believes captain Conor Tinnion.

Reds, who had a rare weekend off after their 4-1 home win against Dunston on Boxing Day and return to action at Pontefract Collieries on New Year’s Day, are clear at the top of the league table after a dream first half of the campaign under manager Danny Grainger.

And Tinnion, who was named skipper by Grainger in one of his first major decisions after taking over, believes that will paint a target on their backs over the remainder of the season which they will have to deal with to achieve their goal of promotion.

Speaking on the club’s website, Tinnion said: “We are top but we’re only halfway there. None of the lads would think anything else, but it’s a fine line between knowing how good we are and not being complacent, taking things for granted.

“At the minute, we’ve got that balance right and need to keep going because we’re there to be shot at now.

“We’re going to have to get used to teams playing against us and it being their biggest game of the season.

“I think the lads just need to embrace it in the second half of the season and enjoy it.

“Don’t be under any illusions, we’re not going to cruise it.”