MATCH REPORT: Blyth Spartans U18 3-1 Workington AFC U18
Despite a gallant effort at Croft Park, the Young Reds made their exit from the FA Youth Cup in what skipper, Ted Thomson, described as a ‘steep learning curve’.
Spartans were stronger, used the ball better and emerged worthy winners over the ninety minutes but Workington had their moments and contributed to an enjoyable game.
Indeed, had they scored a goal late in the day when they enjoyed their best spell of possession, we would have lauded the performance but, overall, a two-goal winning margin was the very least Blyth deserved.
It didn’t start well for the Cumbrians with the ‘green and whites’ in front after just two minutes. Joe Rumney could only partially save a low cross and the rebound fell conveniently for Jake Taylor who converted from close range.
But they recovered from that early set back and settled into the game.
Ben Whitworth saw a well struck shot gathered by Spartans ‘keeper, Thomas Wailes, then, following a corner, Matthew Jackson side-footed the ball narrowly wide.
Matching Spartans for a good period of the first half, Reds equalised in the twenty-eighth minute when Oscar Pickering punished a ‘for once’ hesitant back four to confidently steer the ball past the stranded ‘keeper.
The game swung in favour of the hosts just before half time when Jackson was adjudged to have tripped Devon Teasdale and the referee immediately pointed to the spot.
The impressive Dan Coles, after a lengthy run-up, sent Rumney the wrong way to restore Spartans’ lead.
And that lead was extended nine minutes after the restart when Coles nodded home from a yard out after Rumney had bravely saved the first attempt, following a corner.
Coles almost netted the goal of the night when, after a run which left defenders in his wake, his shot thumped the foot of the post and rebounded to safety.
Freddie Glendinning, who impressed for Reds, sent a decent effort narrowly over the bar in a rare sortie into Spartans territory.
TJ Cueto was probably Reds best on the night when the occasion certainly got the better of some of the younger players, who appeared a tad nervous.
Nevertheless, it was an invaluable experience for both squads and Spartans can look forward to the next round whilst Reds were left to contemplate on what might have been.
Blyth Spartans: Wailes, Myers (Fish, 54), Clavering, Watson, Hourigan, Campbell, Teasdale (Zmich, 60), Ashcroft, Coles (Anderson, 61), McEvoy (Devlin-Carr, 87), Taylor (Fairbairn, 71). Substitute – Penaluna (not used).
Workington: Rumney, Gaskell (Coulthard, 52), Glendinning, Cueto, Jackson, Cannon (Storey, 58), Thomson (Tyer, 66), Whitworth (Dixon, 58), Pickering, Henney, Bailey (Elliot, 52). Substitute – Wilson (not used).
Referee: Luke Watson, Whickham
Bookings: Myers (Blyth Spartans), Elliot (Workington)
Attendance: 147
