MATCH REPORT: Burscough U18 1-3 Workington AFC U18

The young Reds returned to JPL action for the first time since mid-December and maintained their 100% winning record in the league.

Having beaten Burscough’s younger age group earlier in the season, this was more of a test but one Reds met with the right mind set.

It was a cagey opening to the game with neither side creating too much in the early stages.

Harrison Rogers was unlucky not to open the scoring, having one effort cleared off the line and then thwarted by a double save from the Burscough ‘keeper.

But the first goal did go to Reds, ten minutes before the interval.  Joe Douglas did the spadework with good work down the left and provided the assist which Ryan Handford steered home.

Ryan Handford

It was an even contest for a long spell after the restart and it was about the seventy-minute mark when Reds doubled their lead.  Alfie McDonough’s turn and clever finish produced that all important second goal which give the visitors some breathing space.

Jayden Fulton’s shot then rebounded off the crossbar and both McDonough and Oscar Pickering were denied by good saves by the goalkeeper.

Pickering did score a third with a cross/shot which secured the points but a late onslaught from the hosts earned them a consolation goal, via the penalty spot.

Oscar Pickering

Next up for Reds is a trip to play title rivals Marine.

Team: Joe Rumney, Luke Routledge, Matthew Jackson, Harrison Telford, Charlie White, TJ Cueto, Ted Thomson, Ryan Handford, Jayden Fulton, Joe Carney, Alfie McDonough.  Substitutes – Oscar Pickering, Joe Douglas, Harrison Rogers (all used).