MATCH REPORT: Workington AFC 1-0 Rushall Olympic
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Workington’s great start to the calendar year continued with a third successive, hard-fought home win leaving them unbeaten in six, with just one loss in ten.
And in a game low in overall quality, the only goal was certainly a highlight for the home support. Kai Nugent delivered the perfect corner from the right and Dan Hopper timed his run and connected perfectly to head Reds in front after four minutes.
It was his fourth goal during his productive loan spell.
And with the Walsall outfit offering little in way of a response, the three points were obtained with a little more comfort than the previous week.
Rushall’s best chance fell to Osaze Okuonghae who found himself unmarked at the far post to meet Sam Unitt’s free kick but his downward header was kept out by a smart Alex Mitchell reflex save.
It was probably Mitchell’s only save of note but he collected numerous crosses into the box and, generally, Workington defended well.
They could have added to Hopper’s early winner when Steven Swinglehurst’s header, via a free-kick, was gathered by Jake Davies-Manton.
And towards the end of the afternoon, the latter stood firm to gather Isaac Whitehall’s well driven shot before making the save of the game to deny substitute, Josh Palmer.
Palmer got away from the last defender and had a clear run on goal but his firm shot was blocked by the ‘keeper to deny him his moment of glory. And in the next attack, Palmer was thwarted a second time, on this occasion by an amazing goal line clearance, after Nugent had provided the opportunity.
Rushall’s best chance in the second half had fallen to Liam McAlinden but he was unable finish having found a good position in the area.
Other than that, there were few clear-cut scoring opportunities but this performance epitomised the team spirit and togetherness that has forged this impressive run of results, giving belief, and hope, to players and supporters alike.
To go into a game without Messrs Rigg, Symington, Barnes, Leslie and Stephenson would have been unthinkable a few weeks ago but absences are covered without too much alarm at the moment.
Once again, it was a team effort which got them over the line but it was also a team effort to get the game on in the first place. The ground staff worked wonders to repair the pitch after last week’s damage and they duly received the plaudits afterwards.
And credit to the support, also. The fans have backed the players, both vocally and in numbers, producing a “we are all in this together” mindset!
Photos: Gary McKeating
Workington: Mitchell, Casson, Dickinson, Whitehall, Little, Swinglehurst, Hopper (McDonough, 83), Carroll, Hunter (Palmer, 90), Ellis, Nugent. Substitutes – Galloway, Allan, McLinden (not used).
Rushall Olympic: Davies-Manton, Okuonghae, Lycett, Teixeira, Brown, Willetts, McGlinchey (Afful, 85), Moore (Ram, 10), Enright (Wakefield, 59), Unitt, McAlinden (Coyle, 73). Substitute – White (not used).
Referee: Callum Hayes, Preston
Bookings: Carroll (Workington), Moore, Ram (Rushall Olympic)
Attendance: 829
