Reds’ mini-revival halted by Town
Last updated 12:33, Wednesday, 02 April 2008
Workington 1 Alfreton Town 2: Workington's mini-revival, built on the back of a four-match unbeaten run, ended in disappointing fashion at Borough Park.
The best goal of the night, scored deep into time added on, was only scant consolation foe the Reds after question marks had been raised over their defensive qualities.
Chances were limited in a frantic end-to-end first-half which Reds probably just shaded against a busy and competitive Alfreton side.
But a goal three minutes after the restart swung the game in Alfreton’s favour and a second on 74 minutes virtually killed-off Reds hopes.
When Michael Reed bagged a well-taken goal in the third minute of time added on it was too late to initiate a complete come-back.
Although they had little patches of clever play in the first-half, Reds never really fashioned a chance or tested Alfreton keeper Laurence Matthewson.
There was one bizarre moment when referee Chris Buxton – the man in charge of the abandoned Redditch game – gave a bounce-up in the Alfreton penalty area after the ball had become trapped in a defender’s legs with Johnny Wright and goalkeeper Matthewson desperately trying to free it.
Alfreton had gone closest to opening the scoring with a 30-yard shot from Chris Walton which took a deflection, making Adam Collin go smartly down to his left and palm it behind for a corner.
With some big players in their side, Alfreton always looked dangerous from corners and Workington did well under pressure to clear four in a row at the end of the first-half.
The late-comers were still finishing their Bovril and half-time pie when Alfreton broke the deadlock on 48 minutes.
Workington were caught-out inside their own area and although Collin did well to block Danny Reet’s angled shot, the ball looped into the air and before the covering defenders could react Brian Cusworth steered a shot into the bottom corner.
That seemed to lift Reds for a while but they didn’t have a lot to show for plenty of possession and territory. Jonny Wright had a shot on the run blocked by Matthewson and before he could follow-up centre-half Tony Butler had hammered the loose ball behind for a corner.
The best chance was created by skipper Graham Anthony who skipped round Matthewson and from the by-line pulled back an inviting ball which whizzed across goal and only needed the slightest of touches to find the net. Unfortunately none of the three Reds arrivals got there in time to force it home.
Alfreton virtually secured victory when they scored their second goal on 74 minutes.
Collin skied a back pass so instead of getting distance with the clearance it hung and dropped just outside the area. Cusworth helped into the path of mid-fielder Stephen Warne who was arriving at pace and he went on to cleverly beat Collin from 10 yards.
Late in the game Anthony had a low shot swerve inches the wrong side of the post and it was virtually all over when Reds did score.
Lee Andrews, from inside his own half, threaded the ball through to Anthony and a quick pass released substitute Reed down the middle. He skipped round Matthewson stylishly before slotting home into an unguarded net.
It might have been the best goal of the game but it was much too little to late from the Reds after a performance which fell short of their excellent effort at promotion-chasing Southport on Easter Monday.
MATCH STATS
STAR MAN: There weren’t many contenders but GARI ROWNTREE worked hard, tackled strongly and generally used the ball well.
KEY MOMENT: Second goal for Alfreton on 74 minutes which virtually settled the game or Michael Reed could have been a late point saver for the second time in three recent home games.
Reds: Collin, Andrews, Rowntree, Gray, Kirkup, Hewson (Reed 77), Anthony, Hopper, Johnston (Berkeley 65), J. Wright, A. Wright. Subs (not used): May, Gullen, Taylor.
Referee: Colin Buxton
Crowd: 259
