MATCH REPORT: Marine U18 0-1 Workington U18

The young Reds were on the road by 6am and on the pitch three and half hours later for an early start at the Marine Travel Arena.

And, without doubt, this was probably their best result of the season – all things considered.

They made a good start and were getting into good areas without creating any clear-cut chances. Marine then had a spell and were unfortunate not to open the scoring when they hit the crossbar via a free-kick.

The only goal of the game came when the visitors worked the ball well through midfield and found Harrison Rogers one-on-one with the Marine fullback. Rogers beat his man and placed the ball in the far corner of the net.

Further chances from Jayden Fulton, Joe Douglas and Rogers, again, saw Reds go close to doubling their advantage.

As expected, Marine got on the top in the second half and started to dominate but resilient Reds restricted them to efforts from distance.

Rogers proved a good outlet and was denied another opportunity but Marine were pressing for an equaliser and Joe Rumney kept them at bay with a fine save.

Then, in the last minute, it was almost heartbreak as the home side rattled the woodwork again with a superb curling shot from the edge of the box.

Overall, a very good first half and a strong defensive display in the second was rewarded with three priceless points as they maintained their 100% league record.

Marine’s first team were hosting South Shields a few hours later but quite a few of the 18s squad made it back to Borough Park for the Hebburn game, to complete a busy twelve hour shift!

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

both used).