Recap

There was no shortage of effort and commitment as Reds became one of the first teams to play on the recently renewed 4G surface at Palmerston.

But they were second best to a slick Queens team and a goal in each half saw the Dumfries youngsters emerge comfortable winners.

Craig Johnston was happy with the workout, though, as the young Reds auditioned for a place in the squad for the FA Youth Cup and prepare for a step-up to County League football.

There was nothing between the sides in the opening twenty minutes with neither creating much in the final third.

It was Queens who opened the scoring, however, after the visitors lost possession and Lewis Downey, who always seems to score against Reds, placed a measured shot into the bottom corner of the net.

They almost doubled their lead soon after when a shot from a blue-shirted player struck the upright.

The West Cumbrians responded and were unlucky not to be level before half time.

Milo Cooke chopped inside and saw a fine shot from the edge of the area rattle the Queens cross bar.  Then, in the next attack, the same player saw another effort hit the goal frame this time rebounding to safety off the far post.

Within six minutes of the restart the home side gained control when they scored a well-worked team goal.  A good passing move down the right culminated in Niall Rogerson sweeping home the ball past the helpless Aaron Lister for that all important second.

Reds were allowed to play the over age ‘keeper and he kept his side in contention with a string of fine saves.  He kept one shot out when the ball hit him flush in the face, resulting in a nose bleed.

Both sides introduced a number of substitutes in the second half and play became fragmented at times.

Workington pushed for a consolation goal, but were then susceptible to the swift counter attack from the hosts.  Chances were created at both ends but squandered in equal measure.

Team: Lister, Percival, Bell, Johnston. Edmondson, Martin, Moore, Bland, White, Cooke, Christian.  Substitutes – McKay, Barwise, Walker, Keenan, Carini, Law, Scofield, Bewsher-Canon, Slack (all used).