MATCH REPORT: Workington AFC U23 3-2 Macclesfield FC U23

Reds recorded a third successive Lancashire League victory against a competent Macclesfield outfit, maintaining their unbeaten start to the campaign.

And it was a special night for three home players – Dan Hill, Leo Brennan and Jack Sharpe – all of whom netted their maiden goals in the competition.

Reds had the better of the first half and established a two-goal advantage by the break.  But it was more of a contest in the second with Macc coming more into the picture and finishing the stronger of two well-matched teams.

Dan Hill opened the scoring after six minutes with a neat side foot finish which left ‘keeper, Daniel Gutierrez helpless.  And the hosts doubled their advantage in the thirty-third minute when Leo Brennan was on hand to convert from six yards after an unselfish assist from Joe Carney.

Leo Brennan & Dan Hill

Carney almost made it three but his firm header was confidently gathered by Gutierrez.

Macc’s Luke Draysey had a decent chance to reduce the arrears but Levi McAdam was quickly off his line to smother the ball.

But the visitors were back in the game after sixty-six minutes when Elija Moultrie converted a low cross from the right.

Back came Reds and, after a thumping Josh Palmer shot hit the woodwork, they scored a third when Jack Sharpe’s persistence paid off.  His first effort was blocked but the ball rebounded conveniently and he netted at the second attempt.

Reds might have thought a two-goal cushion was job done but their joy was short-lived with Macc scoring the goal of the game just sixty seconds later.

Nicolas Ruggeri was a good twenty-five yards out but his sweet left foot volley flew past McAdam to set-up a nerve-wracking last quarter of an hour.

Palmer’s header was well saved by the Macc ‘keeper and the visitors then applied pressure at the other end but Workington’s defence, well marshalled by Louis Pickering, stood firm.

It was a good contest with Reds worthy of the narrow victory.

Workington: McAdam, Chapman, Bell C, Johnston, Pickering, Hambling, Burns, Benson-Lester, Brennan, Carney, Hill.  Substitutes – Sharpe, Cueto H, Davidson, Fulton and Palmer (all used).

Macclesfield: Gutierrez, Rios, Ogbeide, Coward, Boyle, Ritchie, Lizarde, Ruggeri, Draysey, Moultrie, Crooks.  Substitutes – Eschino, Mercado, Marshall, Rodriguez, Sayed (all used).

Referee: Tommy Linford

Attendance: 68