Workington Reds Reserves travelled to Manchester to face Stalybridge Celtic on Wednesday evening where the Reds youngsters started well with Martyn Rossi and Barry Armfield causing problems for the Celtic defence.
But despite the early Reds pressure it was the Reds who went a goal down as Celtic punished the Reds for some sloppy defending. The Smith twins, Jake and Sam, left the ball for each other and it was Celtic who punished the visitors with a shot fired passed Lee Jolly to take the lead.
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Adam Main |
The Reds had belief in themselves as they played some good football and it was a good move that brought the equaliser. Lee McCullough found Dan Gullen on the right and a good run from Martyn Rossi brought out a Celtic defender that opened up a massive gap in the Celtic defence allowing Dan Gullen to Barry Armfield who in turn played the ball into the path of Adam Main (pictured left) who made no mistake firing the ball home.
Both teams went in at half time level at 1 - 1 for a well earned drink and to warm up on a dreadful night in Manchester.
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Jake Smith |
Celtic took the lead mid way through the half but again, much to the delight of Steve Lee and Herbert Briggs, the Reds Reserves' heads never dropped and it was missed chances that stopped the Reds taking anything from the game.
Barry Armfield, Stefan Scott and Levi Johnston all missed great scoring chances and Jake Smith (pictured right) hit the bar from a free kick in the 92nd minute and at that point the Reds knew it was not to be.
The Workington management duo of Steve Lee and Herbert Briggs were not too impressed with referee Adam Jason who booked far too many players on the night considering it was a not a bad game played on a 3g artificial pitch. Tackles were not of the normal calibre as it was not on grass.
"I have logged a complaint with the Galaxy football Lancashire League. All you want is a fair crack and this guy spoiled a good game and cost both clubs a lot of money in fines with his poor performance", added Herbert Briggs.
Workington Reserves host Bamber Bridge on Thursday 10th September and a week later title favourites Southport visit Borough Park on the 17th September with Curzon Ashton make the same trip the week after on the 24th September. All the matches kick off at 8pm.
Reserves: Lee Jolly, Simon Bragg, Sam Smith, Dion Barnes, Craig Johnston, Lee McCullough, Jake Smith, Adam Main, Barry Armfield, Martyn Rossi, Dan Gullen. Subs: Stefan Scott, Levi Johnson.