Workington 2, Vauxhall Motors 1 .
 
By ROBERT SUMMERSCALES
 
They say that the mark of a good team is the ability to win without playing well.  If that’s the case then this result should bode very well for Workington Reds.
 
After Saturday’s late concession and loss of two points at Gainsborough, there was a sense of déjà vu around Borough Park on 80 minutes, as Obi Anoruo cancelled out Jonny Wright’s opener (54).
 
Conor Tinnion lost possession and Vauxhall broke with precision. Neil Prince’s through ball found Anoruo and the Nigerian striker showed good pace and strength to nip between Kyle May and Lee Andrews, before coolly sliding under Aaran Taylor.
 
But six minutes later, Reds were reprieved.  Tinnion did well down the right, creating space for Andy Langford who supplied a fine cross for Shaun Vipond.  The hard-working midfielder stooped at the far post to place a firm header back across goal and claim his third goal of the season.
 
Despite not playing anywhere near their best, Workington were the better side and can, just about, claim to be worth their victory.
 
Jonny Wright (pictured) put them ahead on 54 minutes. His headed flick from a Gari Rowntree cross found Phil McLuckie who returned the ball across the box for Wright to sweep home impressively.
 
Reds looked the better team early on and seemed the happier of the two to pass the ball.  They carved out two good chances in the opening quarter hour.
 
The first fell to Gareth Arnison, his side-footed lob landed on the roof of the net from 18 yards.  Then Jonny Wright’s cross from the left was headed over by McLuckie coming in late at the far post.
 
Workington’s early rhythm was soon lost though and, moments later, a goalmouth scramble saw the visitors twice denied by desperate defensive heroics.  Anoruo’s shot was brilliantly blocked by the left palm of Taylor before Rowntree headed off the line.
 
The game became untidy as Arnison and Jonny Wright repeatedly fell victim to the offside flag, and Preston referee Paul Marsden and his whistle became very well acquainted.
 
Vauxhall rallied late in the half and were presented with the chance of the game.  Neil Prince’s low out-swinging corner was allowed to bounce by the Reds’ defence and the ball fell at the feet of defender Robert Marsh-Evans, who failed to connect properly from close in.
 
Darren Edmondson admitted to having “a few choice words” at half time and his charges responded well, starting brightly after the break.  McLuckie squandered a good opportunity to score before Jonny Wright put the Reds ahead. 
 
The improvement was short lived though and the game again became disjointed; surrendering to poor passing, the linesman’s flag and the referee’s whistle.
 
Despite their failure to take full control of the match and kill off their opponents, Workington were rarely put under much pressure.
 
Arnison flashed an ambitious volley just wide and McLuckie, clean through, had his powerful shot blocked by the wide frame of Scott Tynan before Anoruo levelled, somewhat against the run of play.
 
The goal was a big test of character for the Reds and they responded well.  With five minutes remaining, they went with three up top; Matty Tymon came on for Adam Main.  And within sixty seconds their lead was restored by Vipond’s header.
 
While his teams’ inability to finish off their opponents will have frustrated Edmondson, their resolve and capability to ‘win ugly’ will have pleased him.
 
The feat will feel even more gratifying as it was achieved in the absence of captain and key figure David Hewson.  Main replaced him and did ok, but the performance of Vipond in his absence stood out.
 
In addition to his reliable recycling of possession and excellent dead ball deliveries, Vipond’s display was full of defensive discipline and a relentless work-rate.
 
Lee Andrews completed a ‘competitive’ ninety minutes for the first time in seventeen weeks and, for the most part, look composed and dependable.
 
Reds: Taylor, Langford, Rowntree, Andrews, May, Vipond, McLuckie, Main (Tymon 85), J. Wright, Arnison, A, Wright (Tinnion 73). Subs (Not used) Hindmarch, White, Blake.

Yellow Cards: Arnison (26, kicking the ball away).

Vauxhall Motors: Tynan, Noone, Dames, Taylor, Hannigan, Marsh-Evans, Prince, Moogan (Wright 90), Anoruo, Wilson, Smith (Mboa 79). Subs (Not used) Grice, Nixon.

Yellow Cards: Noone (90, dissent)

Referee:  Paul Marsden, Preston

Crowd: 707

To listen to Darren's comments on the game talking to BBC Radio Cumbria's John Walsh just click on http://www.getnoticedonline.co.uk/audio/reds/workington-2-1-vauxhall-motors-darren-edmondson.html
 

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