MATCH REPORT: Workington AFC U23 3-2 Lancaster City U23
The young Reds got their Lancashire League campaign underway at Frenchfield but it was a laboured performance as they began the defence of their West Division title.
They were second best for long periods of the game and the possession stats were stacked heavily in City’s favour.
But, after finding themselves behind early in the second half, they showed great character to get back into the game and, eventually, win by the odd goal in five.
All looked well after five minutes with Reds taking an early lead, and it was Leo Brennan who got the first goal of the new season. He got beyond the Lancaster rearguard, lobbed the ball over their ‘keeper, Harrison Round, before converting into the vacant net.
Reds could not build on the early breakthrough, though, and the Dolly Blues dominated much of the first half.
They had the ball in the net soon after but Ben McMeeking had just strayed offside and the ‘goal’ was disallowed.
An equaliser did come six minutes before half time and deserved it was too. Reds got themselves in a right tangle defensively and Oliver McDermott’s persistence was rewarded when he forced the ball home from close range.
It got worse for the nomadic west Cumbrians when McMeeking put the visitors ahead after fifty-one minutes, finishing confidently from the edge of the box after more uncertainty in the home defence.
And that’s when Reds realised they had to up their game and credit to them for doing so.
They were back on terms after fifty-eight minutes when skipper, Louis Pickering, hooked in an unstoppable left foot shot, following an Alfie McDonough corner, and confidence was suddenly restored.
It became a right ‘ding-dong’ battle as both teams went in search of the winner. And it came in the seventy-ninth minute, thankfully by a red-shirted player.
Young Jack Bailey, who looked lively after his introduction from the bench, broke through centrally, and celebrated his Lancashire League debut with a well taken winning goal.
A hard-fought victory but credit to both teams for serving up a gripping contest.
Workington: Rumney, Routledge, Bell, Davidson, Pickering, Johnston, Hill, Thomson, Brennan, High, McDonough. Substitutes – Bailey, Benson-Lester, Martin, Whitworth (all used).
Lancaster City: Round, Dale, Davis, Black, Sharp, Spurr, Kelly, McDermott, McMeeking, Nelson, Bailey A. Substitutes – Brockbank, Loran, Pye (all used)
Referee: Tony Whitfield, Carlisle
