MATCH REPORT: Workington Reds Ladies  11-1  Morecambe Development Squad

The most significant factor of this rather one-sided pre-season run-out was the welcome return of record scorer, Hayley Bracken.

Sidelined for the past fifteen months with an ACL injury, the centre forward made a stunning return to action by netting a well taken hat-trick inside half an hour.

And the goals which set Reds on the path to an easy victory against an inexperienced Shrimps team, will give the whole squad a lift ahead of the new season.

The goals dried up last term, during Bracken’s absence, with only one team scoring fewer than Reds’ tally of 23.

Ironically, Workington now have several other players who have the potential to score goals on a regular basis so we now have a situation that bodes well for the new campaign. 

Bracken was substituted shortly after completing her threesome, a sensible decision as she continues her rehab and starts the long road back to fitness.

Morecambe had reduced the arrears at 2-0 down with a close-range finish, from Eva McVern, but the home side quickly made it 3-1 and dominated thereafter. 

Liv Bennett then took centre stage bagging a personal tally of five goals, including at least two in the spectacular category, as Reds ran riot.

The returning Jess Reid helped herself to a brace, both similarly despatched, and Emi Rudd capped a fine individual performance by netting one for herself.

Reds Ladies will face a more testing friendly next week when they host Queen of the South Ladies.