MATCH REPORT: Lancaster City 2-0 Workington AFC

Difficult to see where that elusive first win is coming from after another poor showing from Reds leaves them rooted to the foot of the Premier Division table.

They were reasonably competitive during the first half but way short in the second and City cantered to victory in the end.

The Giant Axe has been a happy hunting ground for Reds in recent years but the outcome on this occasion seemed inevitable once the Dolly Blues opened the scoring in the ninth minute.

Their second goal, eighty minutes later, wasn’t really needed because Workington, by then, were a spent force.

In between those goals for City, which extended their unbeaten run to four matches, Workington huffed and puffed but lacked cohesion, fluency and, worryingly, any obvious pattern of play.

A David Symington free-kick caused a moment of panic in the City goalmouth, Luke Ellis’ header was miles off target, a Symington shot was blocked and, from the latter’s corner, Steven Rigg was inches away from scoring.

Other than that, the skipper’s thirty-five yard free-kick was superbly struck but just cleared the bar and a second half incident might have produced a scrappy goal but the assistant referee wasn’t quite up with play and ruled the ball hadn’t crossed the line.

What about City?

They were certainly better organised and looked more of a threat going forward and had players at the back, in midfield and up front who caught the eye. Other than Alex Mitchell, Reds didn’t have anyone who enhanced their reputation.

Mitchell wasn’t over worked but made three stops of note and sustained a deep cut to his face in a collision whilst saving at Jim Craig’s feet. There was a lengthy stoppage whilst the goalkeeper was patched up and given a new ‘blood-free’ kit.

And that was the pattern of the second half – frequent stoppages for drinks breaks, injuries, regular substitutions plus the normal time wasting, all of which suited the hosts and compounded Reds’ frustration.

The opening goal was created by Craig who brushed aside his opponent on the right and crossed low into the area where Lewis Mansell converted from close range.

They doubled their advantage just as the PA announcer confirmed ‘ten minutes of added time’ when Dom Lawson headed in at the far post.

Both teams have a break from league action as they launch their FA Cup campaign this week but, on the evidence of this display, Workington will struggle to overcome a confident Stalybridge outfit yet City look capable of adding cup glory to an impressive start in the league.

Plenty of food for thought – on and off the pitch!

Lancaster City: Kelly, Bailey S (Amison, 73), Coulton, Moonan, Oliver, Bailey C, Sloan (Clarke, 83), Bjork, Mansell (Lawson, 82), Craig (Caine, 77), Yawson (Evangelinos, 73).

Workington: Mitchell, Barnes (Galloway, 46), Atkinson, Casson, Dickinson, Little (Swinglehurst, 46), Symington, Ellis (Bell, 82), Rigg (Reid, 46), Nugent (Park, 73), Deans.

Referee: Ethan Murray

Bookings: Sloan, Caine (Lancaster City), Atkinson, Symington (Workington)

Attendance: 746