KESWICK FC Keswick Football Club are the dominant force in Westmorland League Division One, as they sit 11 points clear at the top of the table.

The team, that plays its home games at Fitz Park, currently hold the Senior Challenge Cup as well as the Benevolent Trophy. They are also in the next round of The Cumberland County Cup.

However the one title they are desperate to win is the league title, after missing out on the prize last season.

One of the stand-out players for Keswick has been 23-year-old striker Richard Bannister, a prolific goal scorer whohas been playing for the Club since the age of seven.

Bannister, who currently tops the Division one goal scoring charts with 20 goals, gave his thoughts on the current campaign as well as his career at Keswick Football Club.

1. How many years have you been playing for Keswick FC?

I've been in a Keswick shirt since the age of seven and my played my first senior game at the age of 15. I played half a season with the Second Team and became a First Team player soon after.

2. What have been your highlights playing for the club?

There have been so many. However, winning the Senior Cup in 2010/2011 defeating Penrith Rangers was a fantastic feeling.

Winning the club's first Benevolent Trophy, with victory against a very strong Ambleside Utd side in April 2010, was also a great feeling. Ambleside at the time were managed by former Kendal Town manager Steve Edmondson. Winning the Treble in 2011/2012 was another highlight, where we won the league, The High Sheriffs Cup and The Benevolent Trophy.

3. What was your best ever goal?

My best goal, although it was in a friendly, came against Workington Reds First Team. It was back in 2011. There was a bumper crowd at the newly-opened Keswick ground and it was against a top keeper called Aaron Colin. It was a 25-yard, left-footed shot that went right into the corner of the net. The goal gave us the lead and was in front of the Keswick supporters. Mark Boyd was also in the Workington side at the time.

4. Have you ever played or ever considered playing at a higher level?

I've haven’t had an approach by a club for a while. Penrith and Gretna inquired a few years ago as did Workington, but nothing got serious, with work commitments. The benefits of playing at a higher level would have to be very good for myself, purely because getting time off work to train on a Tuesday and Thursday would cost me money.

The wages/expenses would have to cover the costs for me to have a serious think about moving from Keswick (where I can get away with not training every week and still play)

5. Have you played for any other clubs?

I played for Workington for a season and a half. I've had a full (mid-week ) season with Workington Reds Reserves where I picked up player of the season and the golden boot during the 2012/13 season.

I signed a non-contract for the Reds back in 2013 but once Darren Edmondson parted company I also lost interest.

I featured in Three Blue Square North fixtures in 2012/13 season playing Corby, Brackley Town and Bradford Park Avenue, along with various friendlies, but nothing really happened due to Edmondson's departure.

6. The aims for this season?

The team's aim is without doubt to win the league. We were by far the best side in Division One last year but didn’t quite do it. We have Netherhall in the County Cup and if we beat them we would love to play either Workington or Penrith in the next round.

As for myself, I aim to score goals, every season. I've scored 43 goals in the past two campaigns. My aim this year is to score 50 goals. I have already got 27 so it's looking good!

7. Have Keswick ever considered moving to The West Lancashire League?

As for Keswick's future who knows, but the benefits would have to be good in order to move. As for now and the next few seasons I can only see Keswick dominating the Westmorland league.