WORKINGTON’S Academy side retained the County Under-18’s Cup when they beat Carlisle City 4-1 at Penrith Town’s Southend Road on Wednesday night.

The Reds youngsters had beaten Wetheriggs 4-0 a year ago to lift the trophy and were smooth winners again.

They dominated the early stages and only some outstanding work by City keeper John Jardine kept City on terms.

The breakthrough did not come until the 44th minute but was a class finish from Dan Carmichael. Stephen Rudd threaded the ball through to him and after a brilliant first touch he then cleverly lifted it over the advancing Jameson with his second.

Ten minutes after the restart Workington doubled their lead. When the ball was knocked in from the left it cannoned off a defender’s legs to Ola Alibi who cracked home a shot from ten yards.

Rudd could have made it 3-0 when Reds were awarded a penalty but he fired over the bar from the spot.

However, Workington did score a third when Rudd put Carmichael in space and he produced a clinical finish.

When Reds were awarded a second penalty on 75 minutes Rudd did not shirk his responsibilities and this time blasted the ball under the bar for a four-goal lead.

Carlisle City scored a consolation goal late on through Johnny Coulthard but it was merely a statistical appendage.

Team boss Stuart Rome said: “It was a very good all-round team performance and we won comfortably. Six of these lads were in the side which won it last year so it was a nice double for them.”

The match was refereed by former Workington assistant manager Kenny Brown.

---

Bookmark with: what are these?