MATCH REPORT: Workington AFC U23 2-0 Ashton Town U23

Champions again ole, ole

Reds U23’s secured the Lancashire League (West Division) title after overcoming one of their nearest rivals, Ashton Town, in a closely fought encounter at Frenchfield.

It is the second time on the Lancashire League Honours Board after Craig Johnston’s side emulated the 2008 championship winning team.

And it means the club have now won four titles this season, following the success of the JPL teams in the U12, U16 and U18 age groups.

Reds, who still have Ashton Town to play away, emerged deserved winners in the end but they had to show great patience after a mediocre opening half hour.  They were second best for long periods as Ashton moved the ball about better and looked good in possession.

But their resilience paid off and, after surviving a nervous first half, their confidence became evident the longer the game went.

Ashton did get the ball in the net after just seven minutes but only after the assistant referee had raised his flag.

Reds found the target themselves, twelve minutes before the interval, and the goal stood.  A corner from the right was inadvertently flicked on by an Ashton defender and Leo Brennan, grateful for the assist, confidently converted at the far post.

A goal each for Shane Tyson and Leo Brennan

The game became a little feisty at times and the referee produced a yellow card on five occasions with goalkeeper, Joe Rumney, the Reds’ recipient.

Liam White, who caught the eye, was unlucky not to double Reds’ lead when his header hit the upright and rebounded across the face of an open goal.

And Joe Carney squandered another opportunity soon after.  A good run took him into the box but his progress was halted by a foul and the referee pointed to the spot.  He took the penalty himself but was denied by an excellent save from the Ashton ‘keeper.

Ashton were unlucky not to find the target in their best spell of the second half, seeing one effort cleared off the line and another rebound of an upright.

Shane Tyson did double Reds’ advantage late in the day with a composed finish, after good work on the left, and they managed the later stages in a more controlled fashion.

They still have a 100% win record, with three away games remaining.

Team: Joe Rumney, Luke routledge, Callum Bell, Owen Johnston, Zach Martin, Ryan Handford, Zach Benson-Lester, Ted Thompson, Leo Brennan, Dan Hill, Joe Carney.  Substitutes – Shane Tyson, Elliot Lowrie, Charlie White, Liam White (all used).