Reds’ Reserves charge to top of the table

By John Walsh

Last updated 11:22, Monday, 31 March 2008

WORKINGTON Reds boss Darren Edmondson was given a sharp reminder of the young talent at the club over the week-end.

For while Reds’ Blue Square North game at home to Worcester was called-off the young reserve side swept to the top of the Lancashire League.

Their game at Leigh RMI went ahead as scheduled despite early concerns over the weather and Workington romped to a 7-1 win.

Andrew Hardman (3), Tony Nicholson (2) and Dan Carmichael (2) shared the goals as Workington hit the top of the League on goal difference – and with a game in hand over their nearest rivals Fleetwood Town.

Reds reserves have six games left to wrap-up the title which does seem to rest now between them and Fleetwood.

Manager Edmondson is well aware of the young talent in the side and has been nursing one or two of them through this season, giving them experience on the bench when he can.

With Reds safe from any relegation concerns he may give some of the youngsters longer opportunities in the matches that are left, as he looks ahead to next season.

“Andrew was released by Carlisle United but he had a bad 18 months with glandular fever and he’s only just getting over that illness.

“Since he’s come to us he’s looked sharp and skilful and there’s something there we can work on.

“It’s good to see Tony back at the club. He’s already started finding the net and in two reserve games in less than a week he scored five times,” said Edmondson.

Nicholson was given the last five minutes at Southport on Monday where Reds picked-up a creditable 1-1 draw to stretch their unbeaten run to four games.

Edmondson wants to keep that run going until the end of the season, starting tomorrow night when Reds host Alfreton (7-45pm) in a re-arranged Blue Square North game.

Nicholson or Hardman might get a chance because the manager has injury concerns over strikers Matthew Berkeley and Michael Reed.