Whitehaven coach Gary Charlton sees no extra incentive in going back to Derwent Park this afternoon to take on his former club.

Charlton spent six years with Workington Town, earning widespread respect for the way he and Martin Oglanby coached the team.

Today’s League One derby is the second time he’s gone back to Town as Whitehaven coach, but the first when points are at stake.

His first competitive game as the new Haven coach was in the traditional Ike Southward Memorial Trophy game which Town won 24-6.

“As far as Jonty [Gorley] and myself are concerned it’s another game we want to win for Whitehaven.

“It’s our job to get the best out of our players and do enough to beat Workington.

“Town have a very good side with some excellent players, and they won’t have been happy with their last two results. We are expecting a reaction,” said Charlton.

Gorley was also an assistant coach at Derwent Park until last season and he and Charlton have struck up a respected partnership at the Recreation Ground.

Whitehaven go into the game as joint leaders of League One and face two important matches if they are to retain that position alongside Hunslet.

After the derby this afternoon, Haven are back in action at the Recreation Ground on Sunday, April 28 when Newcastle Thunder are the visitors.

After losing their first two games, the second favourites for the League One title, have hit form and have won their games since.

“We just look at one game at a time and that is Workington as far as we are concerned,” said Charlton.

At last night’s training session Haven worked with the Kells squad, the second time they have got together in preparing for matches.

A decision on the fitness of centre / full-back Chris Taylor was being made last night but Dave Thompson, Andrew Bulman and Ethan Kelly are all ruled-out.

New loan recruit Jake Carter, who has joined for a month from Barrow, is in contention for a place on the bench.