Danny Grainger has told his Workington players they must be at their best against Brighouse Town this afternoon.

Reds have stormed to the top of the NPL North West Division after a superb run of form since the end of January.

But the Yorkshiremen, who sit in seventh place, are just outside of the play-off places, and Grainger is well aware of the threat they pose.

“They are a well-organised outfit,” he said. “They have picked up some good results in recent weeks. We have to be ready for it and be at our best and make sure we set challenges for Brighouse.”

Reds have played some superb flowing football under Grainger this season, but the former Carlisle United skipper said his side must maintain the intensity which has been prominent during the past six weeks.

After last Saturday’s 4-1 home win against Clitheroe in the league, Grainger made several changes for the visit of Ossett United for a midweek Integro League Cup tie, which Workington won 2-0, courtesy of goals from Nathan Waterston and Dan Wordsworth. And the boss admitted he might make further changes once again.

“It’s not necessarily a case of win and you keep your position,” he said. “I pick a team which is right to win a particular game. It’s not a reflection on any of the players, because they’ve all done well.”

Millenic Ali made an impressive return to the side in midweek, and Grainger said that the tricky frontman has a lot to offer, either from the start or making an impact from the substitutes’ bench.

Centre half Dan Wordsworth has been a colossal figure at the back for Reds, and scored a diving header against Ossett on Tuesday.

“Dan has been tremendous for us,” said Grainger, “We set challenges for him in pre-season, and he’s been very consistent with his performances. He’s been one of the players of the season so far.

“Dan is a good example. He sets good standards, and is one of many good voices in the dressing room.”

Grainger has again praised the ground staff at Borough Park for the way they have maintained the pitch during adverse weather.

He added: “When you play twice a week at home, like we are at present, the ground staff are going to have to work overtime, and they have been fantastic.”