For the first time ever, a female referee will be in charge of a league match on the ground with Helen Byrne in the middle. Helen has been on duty here before – as an assistant referee.

Both managers have recruited this week with Martin McIntosh boosting his squad by three and Gavin Skelton bringing in Danny O’Donnell prior to Thursday’s deadline.

O’Donnell, who played at Borough Park last season for Barrow, is a former team mate of the manager and Gareth Arnison. More recently, he has been playing in Australian football with Ballarat Red Devils having previously served the Bluebirds, Stockport County, Shrewsbury Town and Crewe Alexandra, for whom he made his Football League debut. The Liverpool born defender joined the Anfield set-up as a sixteen year old, eventually skippering the Liverpool Youth team and playing for the first team in a few pre-season friendlies.

He comes into the squad as defensive cover for Gari Rowntree (suspended), skipper Dan Wordsworth (fractured cheekbone) and Lee Andrews (knee operation). In the absence of those three, the manager will have to contemplate a new captain.

Three successive draws have hampered Buxton’s progress towards the play-offs, but they have enjoyed a good solid season and won’t be throwing the towel in just yet. They are currently in 8th position nine points behind 4th placed Reds.

Back in November, the two sides drew at the Silverlands with Matty Tymon snatching a last-gasp equaliser after Shaun Tuton, who spent a trial period up the road at Brunton Park, had opened the scoring for The Bucks.

A party from Harraby Catholic Club will be Saturday’s guests, further strengthening links with the area of Carlisle that has produced numerous Workington players over the years.