Recap
There was no repeat of the drama of the First Round tie against Whitehaven with Reds making straightforward progress to the last eight of the Cumberland Cup at the expense of a plucky Athletic side.
The Maryport outfit were short of two or three of their regulars and had to play without a recognised goalkeeper, although Joe Porter acquitted himself between the posts.
Reds again fielded a mixed squad – seven from the Development and nine first teamers – and, although there was never any doubt about the outcome, the comfortable victory did mask some shortcomings.
Indeed, four of Workington’s travelling players, Iyrwah Gooden, Reuben Jerome, Donae Lawrence and Louis Rowe, were due to start the Second Round tie but logistical problems led to their delayed arrival and a hasty reshuffle of the starting XI just before kick-off.
Maryport, County League rivals of the Development Squad, started brightly and looked up for the occasion. They tried to work the ball from back to front in an efficient manner and it was only in the final third that they fell a bit short.
They did carve out the first chance of note but, in meeting a decent cross from the right, Ryan Porter was unable to get his header on target.
Conor Tinnion, Reds experienced skipper, saw two efforts hit the target – his first, an angled drive which struck the crossbar and a low shot which Joe Porter dealt with confidently.
Athletic stood firm for half an hour, almost, but then fell behind to a great goal. The impressive Leon Dmytrowski provided the assist and James Bell curled the ball from the edge of the box into the net.
And having been well organised defensively until that point, Maryport lost concentration in the next attack allowing the unmarked Tinnion all the time he needed to slot the second, doubling Reds’ advantage.
Soon after the restart, referee Adam Pattison awarded Workington what appeared a fortunate penalty for a handball offence but the opportunity was squandered when Joe Porter pulled off a great save to thwart Jerome.
But Jerome did increase Reds’ lead with a simple tap-in after fifty eight minutes with the unmarked centre forward converting Iyrwah Gooden’s cross from the left.
There was an interesting duel developing in midfield involving the two Cassons – Reds’ Ceiran and Athletic’s Callum – and both made positive contributions throughout the game.
The fourth goal after seventy five minutes was another close range finish with Sam Smith on hand to force the ball home after the Maryport ‘keeper had parried a stinging shot from Gooden.
And just before the final whistle, Reds grabbed a flattering fifth. Dan Whitehead, a Maryport lad, surged forward with the ball before providing the perfect pass for Jerome who rounded the ‘keeper and arrowed the ball into the far corner of the net.
Job done.
Credit to Athletic who had several players hobbling at the end, due to their exertions, yet battled on regardless.
Workington: Eccles, Howarth, Whitehead, Skinner, Smith, Casson, Lightfoot C (Gooden, 46), Bell (Lawrence, 46), Bowman (Jerome, 46), Tinnion, Dmytrowski. Substitutes – Rowe, Houghton (not used).
Maryport Athletic: Joe Porter, Pearson, Little A, Moir, Johnson, Hetherington, Casson, Ryan Porter, Weir, Little Z, Pattinson. Substitutes – McMillan, Harrell, Brown, Shaw-Hughes, Manchester.
Referee: Adam Pattison
Bookings: Howarth, Tinnion (Workington), Ryan Porter, Moir and Casson (Maryport Athletic)
Attendance: 253