MATCH REPORT: Workington AFC 1-0 Ilkeston Town

At the thirteenth attempt, Workington returned to winning ways and whilst they couldn’t replicate the fluent, attacking football they produced on recent away days this display of courage, commitment and character epitomised the sort of qualities needed for a relegation scrap. 

It will take a few more wins, however they are achieved, to convince others that the impossible is achievable but, no doubt, the belief is there within the Reds’ dressing room.

And in a game of few clear-cut scoring opportunities, Reds’ winner came via a penalty, the first awarded since Billy Barr took over the Borough Park hot seat, seconds before half time.  Dan Hopper’s diagonal ball found Daniel Ogwuru on the left flank.  He stepped into the corner of the penalty area and was impeded by Charlie Carter and the well positioned referee pointed to the spot.

Steven Rigg went for power and his well struck shot hit the net although Alfie Roberts did get a touch on the ball.  

Reds have been in front three times in recent games and have had to settle for point each time after conceding very late, so this had as much to do with mental strength as defensive qualities.

There were a few scares along the way but, overall, their game management got them over the line on this occasion and the general sigh of relief at the final whistle would have been heard on Northside.

Roberts hadn’t been seriously tested prior to facing the spot kick, gathering a dangerous low cross from Ceiran Casson and collecting a hooked shot from Ogwuru were the only occasions he got his gloves dirty.  And it was much the same at the other end with Alex Mitchell dealing with Harvey Kirby-Moore header but little else.

Isaac Whitehall and Ogwuru saw shots clear the Ilkeston bar in the second half and the Derbyshire side saw two close-range efforts blocked in quick succession by the solid red wall.

Isaac Whitehall

Town enjoyed a good spell of possession in Workington’s half but with Brad Carroll and Whitehall regularly breaking-up play they couldn’t create many openings and the one gilt-edged chance which came their way was squandered at the far post.

Reds’ chances were also limited and the best effort, a firmly struck Whitehall effort sunk right into Roberts’ midriff.     

Having gone three months without a victory, it will be interesting to see how Reds react to a positive result and the next challenge is the small matter of a trip to play-off contenders,

Gainsborough Trinity!

Workington: Mitchell, Casson, Leslie, Whitehall, Little, Dickinson, Hopper (McDonough, 73), Carroll, Rigg, Ogwuru, Nugent.  Substitutes – Swinglehurst, Allan, Palmer, McLinden (not used).

Ilkeston Town: Roberts, Carter (Whyte, 80), Walker, Thornhill, Marshall T, Parker, Stevens, Dixon, Fox (Brandy, 60), Kirkby-Moore (Marshall A, 60), Youmbi.  Substitutes – Essien, Hutchinson (not used).

Referee: Sam Ross

Bookings: Dickinson, Whitehall, Nugent (Workington), Tom Marshall, Dixon (Ilkeston Town).

Attendance: 678