North West Men’s League Division One side Walney Central take on Barrow and District League outfit Dalton, while Millom – who have already played twice in the Challenge Cup – host Ulverston.
Johnston, a fine half-back prospect, has spent the last two seasons with Barrow Raiders at Craven Park, however a lack of opportunities has seen him return to Kelland Park.
In welcoming Johnston back, Dalton coach Dave High said: “It is good to see Ryan back with us. He is a massive asset and will continue to develop his game at Dalton.
“Ryan’s appearances at Barrow were limited, and with no A-team, it is difficult for him.
“He will partner Scott Paisley and they will work well together.”
On the cup tie, he added: “Walney will provide us with a difficult task, as we are a very young side – mainly the successful under-16s side that has done the club proud (winning the Cumbria Cup and North West League last season).”
High is without skipper Jack Flynn, who has a knee injury, but the likes of Joe Crarey, Sam Purslow and Brad Richards will all have the opportunity to shine tomorrow.
Walney, under the new stewardship of Dave Bell and Dave Warne, have delayed naming their line-up until after their final training session.
Last weekend, they had a good run-out and win over Barrow Island, but they go into the game minus Brad Nicholls, who has hung up his boots after a glittering career.
Coach Tom Sibley will give some of his youngsters a run out, the likes of Hadley Thompson, Connor Tyrell and Macauley Bowman.
Still ruled out through injury are Luke Brady and Dom O’Brien, while work commitments account for Ian Armstrong.
A big blow to the team is that Adam Kelly could be out for three months due to a shoulder injury.
Woollybacks boss Sibley, who sits this one out, said: “We will not take Ulverston lightly, but it is an opportunity for the young lads to shine before the National Conference League campaign gets under way.
“Adam Kelly is going to be a big miss, but you have to get on with it.”
On the win over Bradford in the Challenge Cup last week, which earned them a trip to Pilkington Recs in the third round, he said: “I was pleased with the win over Dudley Hill, I always thought it was a winnable game and the lads stuck to the task.”
Ulverston coach Phil Atkinson is looking forward to the challenge of facing Millom, with Matty Storey again leading the team on the park.
He said: “We have not played up at Millom for about 10 years, so I am looking forward to it.
“I have a lot of respect for Tom Sibley and the Millom club as a whole, so it should be a good day out.
“We will look at this game as a marker for life in the North West Men’s League (Division Two), and we will have a good look at the players who are all keen to do well.
“With Joel Smith returning to Australia, I am looking for a big season from Rowan Smedley, who will wear the number nine shirt. Rowan has great ability for a young lad.”
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