Recap

A first win in the league for Reds, a first defeat for Trafford.

Recent history has produced some close encounters between two sides who like to play football and this was another such occasion.  The hosts were on top for almost an hour but the Manchester side came back strong and, as they tend to do at Borough Park, pushed Reds all the way in the later stages.

A good first half performance paved the way to victory although the two goal lead might have been more had they showed a little more composure in the final third of an immaculate pitch.

And, for once, Reds got off to a good start with a third minute goal setting the tone for some eye-catching football.

Reuben Jerome won possession fifteen yards inside the Trafford half and set off towards the Derwent End goal, eventually sending the ball across Conor Robson to the far corner of the net for a fine opener.

But it was another forty minutes before Reds bagged a second – just before the interval, in fact.

Conor Tinnion sent a diagonal free kick into the area, the ball was partially cleared but eventually recycled by Reds.  Niall Moran lofted the ball back into the area and Ekow Coker was on hand to convert from close range.

Trafford had gone close to equalising three times but Danny Eccles, making just his third league appearance, came to the rescue on each occasion.

Reds needed that second goal but it is often described as an uncomfortable lead as the team with the advantage doesn’t know whether to stick or twist.

It probably wasn’t deliberate but Reds opted to stick and the visitors started seeing much more of the ball.

They didn’t cause too many problems through open play but set pieces seemed to unsettle another different Reds rearguard.

It was from Aaron Fleming’s corner that Tom Bentham rose highest to head Trafford’s goal and that seventy-seventh minute response prompted a little tension amongst those in red with even more anxiety on the terraces.

But Reds survived a few ‘corners under the crossbar’ to eventually register that all important first win, picking up a couple of yellow cards for time wasting in the process.

WORKINGTON: Eccles, Coker, Hooper (Clarke, 84), Wordsworth, Moran, Casson (Rigg, 67), Symington, Carroll, Reilly, Jerome (Allison, 78), Tinnion.  Substitutes – Birch, Palmer (not used).

TRAFFORD: Robson, Morgan, Sloan, Mulholland, Norris, Matthews, Fleming, Dorney (Worrall, 67), Finley (Burke, 62), Morton (Elhassan, 80), Bentham.  Substitutes – Ford, Jayden (not used).

Referee: Curtis Wood, Lancaster

Bookings: Moran, Reilly (Workington), Mulholland, Morton, Worrall (Trafford)

Attendance: 568