A game too far for Reds reserves

By John wALSH

Last updated 11:40, Monday, 05 May 2008

Workington 1 Farsley Celtic 2: Workington Reserves were unable to complete a League and Cup double when they went down 2-1 at Borough Park to Farsley Celtic.

Dan’s the man: Dan Gullen celebrates the opener

A crowd of 225 watched the reserves surrender a 1-0 interval lead as they tried to add the Lancashire League Cup to the Western Division Championship.

Manager Stuart Rome said: “I think in many ways it was a game too far for the lads. They have been magnificent all season and we did what we set out to do three years ago and win the League.”

The only goal of the first half came on 32 minutes when a ball was threaded through the Farsley defence for Dan Gullen to skip round the keeper and then stroked into the unguarded net.

There was only one moment of concern for the home side when Aaran Taylor lost the ball in his area but retrieved his error by blocking-up the follow-up shot from Matthew Kelly.

Farsley, who have won the Eastern Division championship, looked a capable side in the second-half and missed a great opportunity to level when Andrew Cooper broke through but fired wildly over the bar.

But they did draw level on 54 minutes with a well-taken goal from Nick

Smith. Reds lost the ball just inside the Farsley half and when the ball was played quickly over the top Smith went on to beat Taylor with a measured angled finish.

Farsley got their second goal on 79 minutes and again Workington lost possession in an important area – again Celtic produced a cool finish, this time from Chris Thackray.

Workington were denied a late equaliser by a terrific save from goalkeeper Chris Backhouse when he acrobatically tipped over a clean strike from Andrew Hardman.

The trophy was presented to Farsley by former Reds player Neil McDonald, now a director with home-town club Barrow.

But Reds’ young reserve side still enjoyed their night, celebrating at Workington Comets speedway and then round town, with the Western Division championship trophy. The club still has an opportunity to earn more silverware as the Academy team contest the County Under-18’s Cup against Carlisle City at Penrith Town on Wednesday night.

Reds: Taylor, McLuckie, R. Johnston, Gullen, Jardine, Renyard (Hardman 56), Rudd, Rayson, Carmichael, Seggie, Nicholson (Adamson 71). Subs not used: Rae, C. Johnston junior, McDermott.