Recap

Whilst the first team were recovering from a two goal deficit at Pickering, the Development Squad squandered a similar lead in their penultimate friendly at St. Mungo’s Park.

They played very well throughout the first half and established a deserved 2-0 lead, only to fade in the later stages and eventually fall to the County League Premier Division outfit.

Reds opened the scoring following a free kick which the home ‘keeper failed to deal with and Matty Foster reacted quickly to maintain his recent good form in front of goal.

And a well taken Thomas Houghton goal (pictured above) doubled their advantage when he collected a measured Aidan Howarth assist and chipped the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.

But the picture changed in the second half when Reds made a raft of substitutions.

The hosts reduced the arrears and then levelled matters in ironic circumstances when Aspatria lad, Tom Skinner, conceded a rather unfortunate own-goal. He has created a favourable impression playing for Reds in pre-season so, no doubt, his neighbours will be reminding him of his moment of misfortune.

The hosts other goals came from Malcolm Graham and Wayne Iredale as they won by the odd goal in five.

Nevertheless, Brian Dawson was happy with the performance saying, “We played some very good possession football at times but didn’t deal too well with Aspatria’s direct approach in the second half. We gifted them one goal and another would have been deemed offside had there been a qualified assistant on duty.”

Reds will play their final warm-up game next Saturday v. Gosforth.

Team: Paden-Gale, Howarth, Hartley, Dear, Skinner, Burns, Houghton, Bell, Foster, Webster, Lightfoot. Substitutes – Dmytrowski, Hambling, Lowrie, Booty, Williamson (all used).