Coach Carl Forster is looking for another flying start from Whitehaven against Workington Town tomorrow when they meet at the Recreation Ground (2pm).

In the Ike Southward Memorial Trophy game two weeks ago, Whitehaven raced into a 10-0 lead and played their best rugby in the opening quarter of the game.

Forster, who is likely to watch the League One Cup tie from the sidelines, said: “I thought we did a lot of good things in those first 20 minutes. We had a game plan and it was working well.

“But we seemed to lose the plan and it was particularly disappointing that heads went down when we were behind.

“That is something we have talked about as a group and is something we can certainly get right.

"If we can start on the front-foot again and maintain the intensity within the game plan, I think we will be fine.

“The friendlies have served their purpose. We know there are improvements to be made but the serious stuff starts on Sunday and we would obviously like a run in the competition.”

Whitehaven eventually lost the game at Derwent Park 32-16 and will be looking to make amends in front of their own fans tomorrow.

Former Kells hooker Troy Armstrong is named in the 19 for the first time, but that’s an indication he’s nearly ready to resume after a shoulder operation rather than he will be involved in the action.

Scott McAvoy, an influential player for Whitehaven in those opening 20 minutes at Derwent Park, misses out after getting a reaction on his return to the line-up.

“I thought he was brilliant for us at Town but he had surprised everyone by coming back as soon as he had from a big operation," Forster said.

"We don’t want to rush him and are going to make sure he’s ready when he comes back again."

Elliott Miller, Karl Olstrum and Connor Holliday are all suspended; Dave Allen is missing with a chipped bone in his ankle and Dion Aiye has still not been cleared to leave Papua New Guinea.

Forster will choose his 17 from: Crook, Roper, Riley, Holland, Shackley, Worthington, Newton, Armstrong, Burns, Pattinson, Parker, Taylor, Moore, Calvert, Maudling, Fox, Brown, Tilley, Dalton.