by HelenThompson

Last updated 11:25, Friday, 21 November 2008

DISTINGTON have begun to adapt to a new game plan since the loss of key playmaker Scott George.

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The youngster has been selected to represent his country at international level and is missing on Saturdays due to GB training.

And this has hit Distington hard in the past couple of weeks but coach Gary Hewer is confident that the results are not far away now.

He is hoping the club can turn the corner when they travel to Wath Brow Hornets tomorrow in the Cumberland League Division One clash.

“Scott has been a big miss as he has been one of our key playmakers for some time and we have had to try and adapt without him being out there,” said Hewer, who coaches the side along with brother Carl.

“It has been difficult but the lads are picking up now and we had got used to a different shape of play.

“Hopefully that will all come to fruition in terms of results soon.

“We have been doing it tough, struggling for consistency but things are starting to improve and we have been getting the performances and I am sure some results will follow.”

Distington and the Hornets have had some good clashes in recent years and Hewer knows it will be no easy trip to Cleator Moor for the village side.

He added: “They have some good young players at the Brow, like Karl Olstrum and they also have one or two older players stepping back so they are a difficult side.

“It is always hard going to Wath Brow, we won their last year by the odd point and it is a tough ask but I am sure the lads will be up for the challenge.”

Also in the top flight, Kells will be making the most of their week’s rest when they host Cockermouth.

Kells had an unexpected week off last Saturday when Ellenborough were unable to raise a side through injury to meet them in the E Lamb & Son Amateur Cup tie.

But this week it is back down to league business and Kells coach Peter Smith is hoping to give a break to some of his promising under-18s on Saturday.

Kells will be without Barry Boyd, who has a hamstring problem, Jonathan Wignall, who has a long term knee injury and Alan McGuinness, who injured his hip.

Smith said: “We still have plenty of lads to play, we have a lot of under-18s chomping at the bit to start and they are all really coming on. Every win is crucial in the league and every competition we enter we want to do well and if we win then that is a bonus.”

Cockermouth are hoping the return of key man Gareth Skillen will boost their chances against league leaders Kells.

Coach Colin Armstrong is aware of the strength of the Whitehaven outfit but is hopeful his side can put up a good fight.

“Gareth will give us more organisation. He is our main go to player, so he will give us more in attack and ask a few questions of their defence,” said Armstrong.

“Kells are flying at the moment, unbeaten in all competitions so they will be tough to break down.

“They have experienced players like Steve Kirkbride, Steve McGrady, Paul Cullnean and Tony Burns plus some good young lads.

“They are a good side and deservedly at the top of the competition so we just have to go there and get stuck into them and do what we do best.”

Johnny Goulding should also return to boost Cockermouth but they will be without Mark Haycock who is on holiday.

Cumberland League: Division One – Wath Brow v Distington; Seaton v Hensingham; Broughton RR v Glasson; Kells v Cockermouth; Ellenborough v Maryport. Division Two: Egremont v Frizington; Maryport A v Salterbeck A; Flimby v Kells A; Lowca v Gt Clifton; Salterbeck v Seaton A