The young Workington Reserves side came away deserved winners in the clash with Bamber Bridge Reserves at Borough Park on Thursday evening.
Both sides came out playing a fast paced passing game that kept the watching crowd thoroughly entertained.
The Reds youngsters produced a string of chances but increasingly it looked like the stalemate would not be broken.
As early as the fifth minute the Reds threatened Brig's goal, when from an in swinging Andrew Bromley corner, a melee ensued in the penalty area with two shots blocked by the Bamber Bridge defenders.
The Brig's attacks were generally thwarted by the excellent defending of Dion Barnes in particular, with the visitors resorting to shooting from distance that 'keeper James Bryden coped with at ease.
Brig striker Phil Watson penetrated the Reds defence one occasion in the first half but Bryden was out quickly to block his shot with his legs. |
Barry Armfield |
The Reds appeared to take the lead on 20 minutes with their most creative play of the game started with a long ball played out of defence up to Dan Gullen with his back to goal. He played the ball to the on rushing Adam Main who, with a defence splitting pass, put in Barry Armfield who coolly slid the ball past 'keeper Adam Stone. But the Reds celebrations were to be soon silenced by the raised flag in what appeared a very close offside call.
Just before the half time interval Adam Main picked up a deserved yellow card for a rash challenge. The combative game was well officiated by Barrow based referee Mr. Raymond Patterson.
With the sides level at half time, Bamber Bridge started the brighter, dominating possession in the early stages of the second half. Their only threat though was a Stephen Green shot that flashed across the face of the goal.
Reds' manager Steve Lee made his first change on 57 minutes replacing Jake Smith on the left wing with his son Jordan Lee. The change almost immediately broke the deadlock when Jordan Lee won the ball in midfield and raced forward. His precise pass put Barry Armfield through on goal for his powerful shot to be well saved by Stone.
The Reds continued with their pressure and breaking from midfield Adam Main played the ball outside to Jordan Lee racing in at pace from the left wing. Lee's thunderous shot was tipped over the bar by the Brig 'keeper.
The Reds were pressing constantly now for the winner, though their endeavours were interrupted on 70 minutes when Stephen Green broke through the Reds defence only for James Bryden to pull off another fine save with his legs.
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Dion Barnes |
The deadlock was finally broken with less than ten minutes remaining. A corner from the left was delivered high into the box where Barry Armfield rose above the defence to powerfully head down only to see his effort blocked and put out for another corner by the defender stationed on the post.
This second corner again came in from the left but was only partially cleared out to Dan Gullen who lifted the ball back into the danger area where it fell to Dion Barnes whose powerful shot found a clear path through the crowded area into the bottom corner of the net.
In the final minutes Bamber Bridge pressed for an equaliser with the Reds conceding a string of free kicks that they managed to see out to earn a well deserved victory.
The Reds Reserves are in action again next Thursday at Borough Park against Southport, 8pm kick off.
Reserves: James Bryden, Martyn Rossi (Simon Bragg 65), Sam Smith, Dion Barnes, Craig Johnston, Lee McCullough, Dan Gullen, Adam Main, Barry Armfield, Andrew Bromley (Levi Johnson 75), Jake Smith (Jordan Lee 57). Subs unused: Lee Jolly (GK).