MATCH REPORT: Workington AFC 0-1 Hebburn Town

Workington’s mini-unbeaten run came to a stuttering halt when a below-par showing resulted in league defeat number fourteen.

A seventeenth minute penalty was enough to decide this war of attrition and complete a league double for Daniel Moore’s Premier Division leaders. Town finished the day a point clear at the top, whilst out of sorts Reds are effectively eleven points from safety and in need of a minor miracle to escape the drop.

In a game desperately short of quality, free-flowing football and clear-cut scoring opportunities, Hebburn adapted better to the poor underfoot conditions. They were so strong at the back, goalkeeper, Dan Cameron, had the luxury of a trouble-free afternoon.

The one save he had to make came in the first minute but after thwarting debutant, Daniel Ogwuru, he had plenty of spare time on his hands. Loan signing, Ogwuru, who scored that famous late winner for Morecambe against Altrincham back in August, was put in the clear by Steven Rigg’s clever reverse pass, but he lacked the composure to finish and Cameron’s left leg deflected the ball to safety.

Daniel Ogwuru

Jordan Little’s charge towards goal soon after presented another opening but the shot was wayward and wasteful.

The only goal of this tepid encounter came in the seventeenth minute when, following a corner, Jack Dickinson was accused of ‘shirt pulling’ and the referee awarded the penalty. So many similar offences go unpunished these days but, the way Workington’s luck is at present, they were duly penalised.

The prolific Gary Martin blasted home from the spot and, had we known what little excitement would follow, we could all have gone home early.

Perhaps that’s a little harsh. Workington huffed and puffed but the effort was a little misguided whilst Hebburn always looked comfortable and content that one goal would be sufficient.

Oliver Martin did land a shot on target but Alex Mitchell parried the ball to safety.

Josh Galloway and Jake Allan did have attempts at goal in the second half but neither hit the intended target.

And Hebburn’s best efforts after the interval saw Campbell Darcy’s shot clear the bar and an Ethan Wood ‘dipper’ gathered by Mitchell.

After the morale boosting display last time out against FC United of Manchester, this offering was poor in comparison. Indeed, it was a frustrated Billy Barr who offered his honest opinion afterwards.

“That’s not acceptable. The effort and endeavour we put into the three previous games was lacking, the intelligence with the ball was lacking and so to was the bravery to get on the ball. In my opinion, we gave them the win.

“I’m not happy and we didn’t deserve anything today.”

Winless in eleven, Reds travel to Prescot Cables next Saturday.

Workington: Mitchell, Casson, Dickinson, Ellis, Little, Barnes (Allan, 64), Galloway (McDonough, 82), Leslie, Rigg, Ogwuru (Palmer, 82), Hopper (Nugent, 11). Substitute – Eccles (not used).

Hebburn Town: Cameron, Heywood, Turner, Donaghy, Elsdon, Wood, Martin (Foreman, 77), Briggs, Martin (Gomes, 60), Murray, Darcy. Substitutes – Oliver, Pavan, Charlton (not used).

Referee: Ryan Aldred, Bolton

Booking: Briggs (Hebburn Town)

Attendance: 802