A classic strike by trialist Dan Shannon got Workington Reds off to a winning start in their pre-season friendlies.

Shannon (pictured) a pal of defender Andy Langford’s, who has played at Trafford and FC United, grabbed the only goal of the game at Gretna’s Rayedale Park.

Seven minutes from time the impressive Anthony Wright surged down the left and played a ball inside, which was cleverly left by Gareth Arnison. Shannon didn’t hesitate, taking a first time strike from just inside the area and the left foot shot flew sweet as a nut beyond the diving John Jameson into the far corner.

Shannon, who came on for the last 30 minutes, was one of four new faces in the squad of 20 used by Reds for the first of their seven pre-season friendlies.

Tony Caig appeared in goal for the opening 45 minutes and manager Darren Edmondson confirmed afterwards that he is still in talks with the experienced keeper about a permanent deal.

You can hear Darren’s thoughts on the new faces and the opening friendly by clicking on

As well as Shannon – Edmondson had a look at two other trialists, both of whom have played at Gretna previously – full-back Darren Casson and mid-fielder Mario Campagna.

Casson, in particular, looked a tidy performer at right-back during his first half stint.

Close seasion signing Stephen Hindmarch has a groin injury but was there to watch the game. He is to sign a two year deal with the west Cumbrians. Shaun Vipond and Andy Langford were absentees because both are on holiday.

In the first half Workington’s best efforts came from headers – the first by Jonny Wright, which hit the bar and the second from Matt Henney, which was superbly saved by Gretna keeper Alex Mitchell.

Caig was no idle spectator and he had to produce two excellent stops to keep Reds on terms.

The first was a near-post save to claw away a header from ex-Reds striker Tony Nicholson and the second was a full length tip round to deny Daniel Jeffrey.

Edmondson made eight half-time changes, including bringing himself on at the heart of the defence, and he could have given his side the lead but headed well over the top from an excellent position.

Much of Workington’s best work in the second-half came down the left from a slimmed-down Anthony Wright, operating at wing back.

He was repeatedly getting forward and producing several searching crosses.

Andy Hardman was also lively and along with Gareth Arnison played the whole 90 minutes. It was some clever foot-work by Hardman which created a shooting opportunity and a fierce shot was superbly palmed away by Jameson.

Dan Robinson saw a header cleared off the line and Jameson did well under pressure at the far post to hold onto an Anthony Wright cross Arnison challenged.

Aaran Taylor, who played the second half in goal, did not have a serious shot to save as Workington allowed their hosts few sights of goal.

Shannon, who replaced Jonny Wright on the hour, had figured before his goal with two pieces of skill on the left hand side. The first was a gorgeous pull-back cross which was headed clear and then a smart flick and turn set-up a cross which appeared to be blocked by a Gretna player’s arm but the referee saw nothing wrong.

It mattered little when Shannon banged in the only goal on 83 minutes – and he won’t have scored many better in his short career.

Reds (first half): Caig, Casson, Rowntree, Mitchell, Andrews, Main, Henney, Hopper, J. Wright, Arnison, Hardman.
Reds (second half): Taylor, Rossi, A. Wright, May, Edmondson, Robinson, McLuckie, Campagna, J. Wright (Shannon 60), Arnison, Hardman.

STAR MAN – ANTHONY WRIGHT
,

---

Bookmark with: what are these?