Workington Reds manager Danny Grainger expects a reaction from his team in their Cumberland Cup quarter-final tie against Keswick after they dropped to second in the league table for the first time this season.

Reds were relegated from the top spot on Saturday as they lost 2-0 at Ramsbottom United, who leapfrogged them to become the NPL North West Division’s new leaders.

Grainger intends to name a strong squad for tonight’s cup action at Borough Park (7.45pm kick-off) with a view to his side bouncing back immediately before they return to the league campaign at Prescot Cables this weekend.

“There will be a couple of young lads playing but it’ll be mainly the first-team squad because I think it’s an important cup competition for us to make sure that we progress in,” Grainger said.

“We need to make sure that we’re ready for both games and you never follow up a defeat with another defeat.

“I’m sure these lads are hurt as much as I am and I’m sure we’ll get a reaction and we can fight our way back into it.

“It’s opened up the door for a few teams to stay in and around the hunting pack so it’s turned into a right scrap now.”

Cleator Moor Celtic have already booked their place in the cup's semi-finals, while Workington Athletic host Kirkoswald on February 15 and Penrith welcome Carlisle United on February 19.