A delighted Dave Hewson paid tribute to his Workington Reds troops as they got the new league campaign off to a dream start with victory over Halesowen Town.

It was a convincing performance from Workington as they had racked up a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes with goals from Jack Ryan, Scott Allison and Sam Smith.

Halesowen did get one back in the latter stages but Workington always looked in control and Hewson admitted it was the perfect start.

"I couldn't believe it when that first goal went in after just two minutes," said Hewson. "It was a dream start for us and all credit to the lads they kicked on from there.

"I think the first half performance really won them the game so I'm very pleased for the lads as they have worked so hard over pre-season and I think you could tell, they looked really fit.

"It was very pleasing to get that first win under our belts and 3-1 is a great start."

Hewson also praised their opponents who have changed personnel since last term when they finished just outside the relegation zone.

He added: "They were always in the game. They came and had a go which is all credit to them. I think they looked a much better outfit than they did last season.

"They looked bright and sharp up front but I think we had that added quality. Yes they had a couple of chances but I think we also created some more and we had other good areas as well.

"I will take nothing away from my lads, they dug in hard. They were under the cosh at times in the second half but they dealt with it and dealt with it well, so all credit to them."

Anthony Wright had a superb game in midfield and marshalled his side well, earning plaudits from the management team and his fellow players.

Despite missing some of last season through injury, Wright looked in great form, another bonus for Reds.

"He's just been so unlucky with injuries that have prevented him from kicking on and having a good season," said Hewson.

"He looks so fit and is so fit at the moment and his experience just means so much to the team, the positions he picks up and the kind of calmness he has on the ball just filters through the team.

"I thought he was the stand out player of the whole game for both teams, he was absolutely brilliant and we gave him a lot of praise and the lads appreciate it as well."

Reds will now head to Marine tomorrow night, who did not start well, on the wrong end of a 5-0 scoreline against Grantham Town.

But Hewson, who will still be without the injured Conor Tinnion for the clash, admitted he would not be taking anything for granted.

"It's a difficult place to go, especially on a Tuesday night so we wont be looking at that result and taking anything from it," he said.

"It's a new game, a new challenge and they will bounce right back from that and it will be a tough game but one we will look to go and get another three points from."