MATCH REPORT: Carlisle United 3-0 Workington AFC (Youth Friendly)
Workington stepped in at short notice when United’s scheduled opponents cried off but finished second best in this youth derby friendly.
The hastily arranged game saw Reds at their best in the opening third of the game, lose their way a bit in the middle section of a keenly fought contest and then restore some pride in the final half hour.
“It was the first pre-season outing for the lads and I thought they were excellent. We played a good mix of U17s, along with a few older players, against a very good full- time team and coped very well,” said Reds boss, Craig Johnston.
Had they showed a bit more composure, they might have taken the lead with both Chad Grisdale and Jayden Scott breaking through only to be denied by United ‘keeper, Jacob Barry.
United opened the scoring with a bizarre goal from one of several west Cumbrians in their squad. Romeo Park’s high cross from the left sailed over Aaron Lister and ended up in the net giving the Blues a rather fortunate lead.
Park was more of a threat in the area than he had been in a wider role and went on to complete a hat-trick. His second and third goals were similar, and the upshot of poor defending, with Reds twice shooting themselves in the foot in their own area enabling Park to net twice from close range
Scott Paden Gale made two fine saves to prevent United adding to their tally and, despite a few sorties into opposition territory, Reds couldn’t grab a consolation goal.
Overall, though, it was a good effort with Johnston concluding, “It was a great workout for us and a very good start to our pre-season.”
Carlisle United: Barry, Hopper, Nicholson, O’Brian, Walsh, Allan, Donahue, Murray, Swinburn, Fitzpatrick, Park. Substitutes – Chapman, Atkinson, Porter, Mason, Rigby, Pennie (all used).
Workington: Lister (Paden-Gale), Percival, Bell, Johnston, Stephenson, Grisdale, Scott, Pears, Christian, Scofield, Cooke. Substitutes – Law, Williamson, McKay, Barwise (all used).
Referee: Scott Henry
