By Martin Morgan

Last updated 12:42, Tuesday, 15 July 2008

Darren Edmondson is looking for ex-Carlisle United youngster Andrew Hardman to continue making a positive impression tonight, after his goal-scoring seasonal debut against Gretna.

Darren Edmondson

Hardman, from Silloth, fired the opener in the 5-0 win over new-look Gretna on Saturday and will travel with the rest of the squad to Whitehaven Amateurs to face the Northern League newcomers in Reds’ second pre-season test (7.15pm).

“He just got over glandular fever when he joined us last season, and we always knew the lad had promise,” said Reds boss Edmondson.

“He came in around December and was in the squad by January. It was then just about fitness.”

Edmondson noted that the striker’s small stature did not necessarily count against him.

“There are a lot of big centre-halves in this league, but the more he plays, the more he gets used to that,” he added.

“He knows where the goal is, and we are not in a position to turn away these local boys.”

Michael Reed (holiday) and Gari Rowntree (family wedding) missed out against Gretna but will feature tonight.

Amateurs have spent around £1 million in grants on their County Ground home over recent years, now renamed the Focus Scaffolding Sports Complex, after clinching a big five-figure sponsorship deal with the firm.

A £2 million-plus clubhouse is in the pipeline, and Edmondson admires how the club is run.

“They are going about it the right way,” he continued.“After we played them last year I stayed behind to talk to them, and they have some great ideas. They are an example for what we could do.”