Robbie Savage has spoken of his admiration for Workington Reds – and their pitch – as his runaway leaders Macclesfield head to Borough Park.

The Northern Premier League Premier Division table-toppers take on Mark Fell’s improving Reds this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

Reds are hoping for a good crowd when they face Savage’s side, who are 13 points clear at the top of the table.

Macclesfield suffered their first defeat of the league season in midweek when they went down 2-1 at Mickleover.

Savage wants a response against an 11th-placed Workington outfit he respects.

“Workington are a very, very good side,” he said.

“They’re on a good run, and had a good win in the week [a 2-0 win over Basford].

“It’s a good playing surface too.

“But we’ll go there prepared, we’ll have a game plan and we’ll learn from our mistakes on Tuesday.”

Workington head into the game unbeaten in three and with two wins in their last two outings, against Basford and Mickleover.

They also boast one of the division’s form players in frontman Steven Rigg, who has hit 14 goals in his last 11 outings.

Ruben Grewal could return from illness to boost Fell’s options.

Savage, despite his side’s lofty position, says Macclesfield must face the challenge of opponents treating games against his team like a cup final.

“For us to win games of football, it’s so difficult because of the desire of the opposition. It’s like a final every time. We’re used to that now,” he added in a club interview.

“We have to be a bit better defensively, but if we create as many chances as we did on Tuesday, and we take them, we’ve got a great chance of winning the game.

“We know going to Workington we’re going to have to respond, and that’s a sign of a team – how you respond.”