MATCH REPORT: Workington AFC 0-2 FC United of Manchester

A section of the smallest crowd of the season staged a mini ‘Edmo must go’ demonstration at the end of another harrowing night at Borough Park.

They vented their opinions after a poor display from a makeshift team that has failed to win any of seven matches played at Borough Park this season.

The under-pressure manager has vowed to fight on but this quite feeble exit from the FA Trophy follows two months of disappointment in the League and an early FA Cup loss too.

When you consider that former managers Grainger, Wilcock and Fell had their doubters on the terraces, one fears for Edmondson’s future.

Both teams were not at full strength but Reds certainly missed their quota of injured and ‘unavailable’ players as FC United emerged comfortable winners.

And although well behind in the possession stats, Reds were still in the game after thirty-five minutes but out of contention by half-time.

Two moments of ill-discipline proved Reds’ downfall.

Charlie Barnes conceded a penalty in the thirty-eighth minute and Jay Fitzmartin scored FC United’s goal in over a month to gift them the lead.

And Barnes’ frustration was compound three minutes later when he kicked the ball at a grounded Manchester player leaving the referee with no other option than to produce a red card.

So, FC United were in front and Reds were down to ten men.

Earlier, Sharif Deans had gone on a forty-yard run but his poor finish was comfortably gathered by Dan Atherton and Ceiran Casson was wide of the target with a well struck low shot.

FC United’s best efforts saw ex. Red, Ruben Grewal, send one attempt wide while Charlie Munro’s shot was heading for the bottom corner until Alex Mitchell averted the danger with a fine save.

Luke Ellis headed wide from Reds first opportunity after the restart but FC United doubled their lead after fifty-five minutes. Ron Sithole got away from Jordan Little before pulling the ball back into the area and Matty Thompson converted through a sea of legs and past Mitchell.

To their credit, Reds didn’t cave in and battled gamely until the end and FC United were content to see out the game in training mode fashion, knowing they were through to the next round.

Josh Galloway, once of FC United, did land a shot on target but Atherton gathered routinely and Workington had an even better chance to score a consolation goal but the low confidence in the camp was epitomised by David Symington’s glaring miss when it looked easier to score.

Experiencing tough times is nothing new at Borough Park and players thrive better with the backing of the fan base but, by the same token, the players have to give the punters something to earn that trust.

After another free Saturday, Reds next challenge is a crucial fixture against fellow strugglers, Morpeth Town.

Workington: Mitchell, Barnes, McCaragher, Casson, Dickinson, Little (Swinglehurst, 85), Allan (Symington, 75), Fitzpatrick (Leslie, 46), Deans (McDonough, 85), Ellis (McGladdery, 75), Galloway.

FC United of Manchester: Atherton, Thomson (Evans, 66), Weston, Sudworth, Misambo (Wisdom, 66), Palinkas, Grivosti, Munro (Clift, 81), Sithole, Grewal, Fitzmartin (Le Fondre, 66). Substitute – Donohue (not used).

Referee: John Mulligan, Carlisle

Booking: Dickinson (Workington)

Red card: Barnes (Workington)

Attendance: 588