This is the real Max Brown declared Workington Reds’ boss Dave Hewson as he showed glimpses of his potential in Tuesday night’s FA Cup win over Newcastle Benfield.

Brown, on loan at Borough Park from Carlisle United, had his best game in a Reds’ shirt midweek, scoring a goal and creating chances across the park.

And Hewson believes, as his confidence grows, then fans will see the best of the youngster.

“It’s all about confidence and players thrive on confidence and it just hasn’t quite happened for him yet,” he said.

“But, on Tuesday night, we got to see glimpses of the real Max and the potential he’s got and I’m chuffed to bits for him.

“He’s a great lad, a quiet lad and he’s just gone about his business.”

Hewson was also delighted with Brown’s attitude and said he deserved the praise for his performance and a superb goal, turning on the volley.

“He wasn’t in the starting line-up on Saturday and he’s responded really well to that,” he added.

“He got put back in and he’s earned all the praise he’s going to get. His goal was fantastic, the swivel and volley was superb.

“I’ve been told he’s a natural finisher, a good goal scorer and that for me showed it there.”

Reds moved into the second qualifying round of the prestigious competition, thanks to the 5-3 win in the replay at Borough Park.

They secured a tie at Knaresborough Town on September 22 in the next round and also pocketed the £6,000 prize money.

But it was not all plain sailing as Benfield, who ply their trade two leagues below Reds, pushed them to their limits.

“It was an unbelievable game for the neutral but not for either manager I don’t think. But I suppose that’s the FA Cup for you, it was so up and down,” admitted Hewson.

“First and foremost, we have just got to be pleased that we’re in the next round and we have got that all important victory, however it came about.”

Reds began well with two goals in the first 10 minutes and retaining the 2-0 advantage to half-time.

The home side picked up a third goal a few minutes into the second half but then Benfield fired two home in quick succession for a tense finale to the game.

It wasn’t until an own goal in the 89th minute gave Reds a slight cushion that fans began to relax and they added a fifth before their visitors got another back before the whistle for the game to finish 5-3.

Hewson was pleased with the start but disappointed his team did not kick on and seal the win earlier.

“It was exactly how we needed to start the game as the home side, setting our stall out and taking the game by the scruff of the neck and dictating play,” he said.

“But, unfortunately and disappointingly, we just didn’t kick on from that.

“Having that 3-0 cushion, and a team of our experience and quality, we should be managing a lot better in key areas at key times.

“I felt like we didn’t deal well enough with the pressure they put us under.

“They created so many chances for themselves and you have to think ‘hats off to them’ and say well done for giving it such a go.

“It just wasn’t quite their night and then we capitalised on it at the end.

"It was a crazy game, to finish 5-3, but I am just pleased we were on the winning side.”