Two of Whitehaven’s bright young prospects have signed contract extensions at the Recreation Ground.

Forwards Sam Dowsett and Tom Wilkinson only joined the club during the winter and have done enough to earn longer deals.

Both joined Haven from Askam, but Dowsett had a short spell with Workington Town in 2017.

Dowsett said he was particularly pleased to be offered a longer deal after Whitehaven had given him a second chance at professional level.

“It was really the opportunity to work with Gary, Jonty and Scott which made me sign in the first place,” said Dowsett.

“But I’m grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity to test myself again and after signing an extension I’m looking forward to the next few years at the Recreation Ground.

“The coaches and lads at Askam also did great to get me back into it after a difficult spell at Workington,” he added.

Assistant coach Jonty Gorley was responsible for Wilkinson joining Whitehaven and he explained why he was targeted.

“I was coaching Tom when he was 15 at Lakes College and there was always something about him,” he said. “We played teams like St Helens and Tom was as good as anybody in the team.

“He was playing hooker then, and being a former hooker, I’ve always had a soft spot for players in that position but he had a lot more to his game.

“He’s turned from a nine to a 13 and is still the same 100 per cent player as he was then. He has proved to be a very good acquisition to our squad.”

Both the south Cumbrians have fitted in well to the Whitehaven squad, committed to the high work ethic which has taken the team to the top of League One.