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Workington's last match:

Morpeth Town  3-0  Workington

This was the first of what could be several harsh reminders that Workington are now playing at a far more competitive level than they have for a few years.  And, any dip in performance levels will be punished. Manager Danny Grainger admitted afterwards that Reds were probably about 15% below their best and, because of the deficiencies, Workington felt a bit like Ashton United did at Borough Park a few days earlier. They contributed to an entertaining game and although chances were created, they weren’t taken.  In contrast, Morpeth were that bit sharper in the final third and looked more clinical in front of goal. Kick-off was delayed by five minutes due to the Workington coach being held-up in traffic yet, despite the far from ideal preparation, the visitors made a decent start. Their passing and movement was good but some promising approach play lacked an end product. Conor Tinnion had the first effort at goal but his free-kick from twenty yards came to rest in the side netting with Dan Lowson untroubled.  At the other end, Sam Hodgson was well wide of the target with Morpeth’s first attempt. Kofi Moore had two decent chances but neither produced that hoped for opening goal.  Jim Atkinson picked out Aidy Roxburgh with a pin-point accurate pass, the latter’s square ball found Moore but his attempt was well struck but cleared the bar….and the perimeter fence. His second effort hit the target but lacked the power to trouble Lowson who saved easily. And it was slightly against the run of play when Andrew Johnson opened the scoring, albeit with the aid of a deflection, after twenty-four minutes.  From that point, Morpeth took control in this first ever Northern Premier League meeting between the teams.They doubled their lead in the third minute of first half stoppage time with Johnson cashing in on a defensive error, as the heavens opened.
Grainger tweaked the line-up during the interval in an attempt to find a way back into the game, to no avail unfortunately. Lowson made a crucial save, though, soon after the restart when he advanced quickly off his line to block a Symington effort. Symington did have the better of the veteran goalkeeper in Workington’s next sortie forward but his well struck shot from twenty yards rattled the crossbar. Town always looked a threat going forward but Workington’s approach was becoming more laboured as they found it hard to break through the home defence. Saturday’s hero, Scott Allison, came close to adding to his tally with a fine shot which rebounded off Lowson’s crossbar and the ‘keeper also tipped over a Lewis Reilly header as Reds sought a consolation goal. By then, they were three goals in arrears and distinctly second best.  Reds had lost possession cheaply in midfield and Hodgson took full advantage to drive the ball over Atkinson and into the net for Morpeth’s third with twenty minutes remaining.  To compound a frustrating evening, Steven Rigg picked up a second yellow card and was sent off so will miss the next home game.
Before then, Reds will head for Ilkeston and another ninety minutes on a 4G surface. 

Morpeth Town: Lowson, Robson, Miller, Jenkins (Donaldson, 72), Henderson, Reid, Steels (Wombwell, 84), Noble, Hodgson, Barlow, Johnson (Turner, 90).  Substitutes – French, Dowling (not used).
Workington: Atkinson, Roxburgh, Bell (Leslie, 46), Rigg, Wallbank, Carroll (Hubbold, 46), Symington, McCaragher, Allison, Moore K (Reilly, 67), Tinnion.  Substitutes – Casson, Hammell (not used).
Referee: Kieran Downey, Sunderland
Bookings: Miller, Henderson, Hodgson (Morpeth Town), Carroll, Symington, McCaragher (Workington)
Red card: Rigg (Workington, two yellow cards)
Attendance: 436 

https://www.workingtonafc.com/match/39121/




 

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Workington have been victorious on their last two visits to the NMG. 

The last time we played against Workington at home was as Ilkeston FC on 19 Nov 2016 when Workington won 2-0. At the end of that 2016-17 season we went into administration and Ilkeston Town FC was re-born under Alan Hardy’s ownership. 

In 2015 Workington won 3-0 at the NMG but we got revenge by beating them 1-0 at Workington in the playoffs.



 

Last edited by Matchman (19/8/2023 6:36 AM)

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I think it’s fair to say that our first two performances and results have exceeded everyone’s expectations. A win against Workington would really ease our pre-season fears of being in a season long battle to avoid relegation. It’s amazing how quickly things can change. Of course it’s early days but we no longer look like conceding a hatful of goals and we now look capable of scoring ourselves. Keeper Matt Yates is proving to be a superb acquisition. Kieran Fenton is looking head and shoulders the best player we’ve had for a long time. Wilder and Barrows are both class players and Luke Cox has settled in nicely.  Eratt-Thompson is unbelievably good and his midfield partner Dixon is a powerhouse. What really turned things round at Ilkeston though was the unexpected acquisition of Jamie Walker. Andy Nally certainly pulled a rabbit out of the hat with that signing. We’re always likely to score goals with Jamie Walker in the side but the current feeling of optimism could be dashed in an instant if we we lose against Workington.  The real test of our ability to compete in this league comes in the match after Workington when we travel to FC United of Manchester. Nobody expects us to win that one.

 

Matchman wrote:

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I think it’s fair to say that our first two performances and results have exceeded everyone’s expectations. A win against Workington would really ease our pre-season fears of being in a season long battle to avoid relegation. It’s amazing how quickly things can change. Of course it’s early days but we no longer look like conceding a hatful of goals and we now look capable of scoring ourselves. Keeper Matt Yates is proving to be a superb acquisition. Kieran Fenton is looking head and shoulders the best player we’ve had for a long time. Wilder and Barrows are both class players and Luke Cox has settled in nicely.  Eratt-Thompson is unbelievably good and his midfield partner Dixon is a powerhouse. What really turned things round at Ilkeston though was the unexpected acquisition of Jamie Walker. Andy Nally certainly pulled a rabbit out of the hat with that signing. We’re always likely to score goals with Jamie Walker in the side but the current feeling of optimism could be dashed in an instant if we we lose against Workington.  The real test of our ability to compete in this league comes in the match after Workington when we travel to FC United of Manchester. Nobody expects us to win that one.

 

Good assessment mate .
I haven't been yet grrrr and won't get tomorrow but what have heard is very pleasing. What with really good signings, new management, the fans doing their part but most of all Nally sorting things out. Again I am hearing although we have had a few games there are loads of positive s . Just gutted I can't get  again.

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WORKINGTON'S
MATCH PREVIEW:
Come on you yellows



Reds will wear their canary yellow shirts for the first time this season when they take on the Robins of Ilkeston Town on Saturday (3pm).  They travel to the New Manor Ground for match number three of the new campaign and, for the second successive away game, will be playing on a 4G surface.



All Workington’s past history there has been on grass but, regardless of the surface, we know it will be another demanding ninety (plus) minutes against a team that has started with two excellent results.They kicked-off their season with a 3-1 victory at Marske United last Saturday and followed up with an even better 4-0 home success versus Gainsborough Trinity.
Like us, they are returning to the NPL Premier Division having been members of the Southern League Premier Division (Central) last term, where they finished a commendable 7th.
For all our earlier success at the New Manor Ground, the abiding memory of previous Ilkeston encounters remains the Play-off clash at Borough Park in 2015.  Reds had recorded a league double against the Ilkeston Reds towards the end of the season but then lost at home (0-1) to them in the knock-out stages.

Danny Grainger was assessing the knocks and bruises at Thursday’s training session but was hoping to travel with a near full-strength squad.
Admission:  Adult – £12.   Concession – £8.   U16s – free
Postcode: DE7 8JF



 

Last edited by Matchman (19/8/2023 4:37 AM)

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It’s match day.....
 ..... and Workington are on their way having set off at 8am this morning.  

Workington were promoted  last season from the Northern Premier League West Division via the playoffs.
They finished 3rd and their record was: P38, W23, D6, L9, F71, A39,  Points 75. 

Their playoff final win against Runcorn Linnets at Workington was watched by 2506. 

Their away record last season was good. They won 12 of their 19 away matches, drew 2 and lost 5 but their first away match this season on Tuesday night ended in a 0-3 defeat at Morpeth.  


Match updates as usual here today



 

Last edited by Matchman (19/8/2023 7:57 AM)

15 minutes to kick-off and the sun is shining at the NMG.

It's looking like a decent attendance.

The teams are out . Ilkeston are in their new red kit. Workington are in yellow shirts and black shorts.

Loads of fans are wearing.  Ilkeston's new shirts. 

Ilkeston start by attacking the car park end.     We're off..........
 

Last edited by Matchman (19/8/2023 2:02 PM)

Great block by Barrows to deny Symington.          1-0.   10 mins

Ashton 1. Marske. 0
Long Eaton  0. Royston.  1

Last edited by Matchman (19/8/2023 2:12 PM)

Ilkeston corner now. Nothing from it.   Hallam shot is only just wide.  Wow what a goal. Screamer by Ross Barrows from way out but keepers never moved.         2-0.     25 mins

Great interception by Fenton stops a dangerous attack. Free kick to Workington in a good position. Barrows heads it out for a corner which is cleared.        2-0.    39 mins

Goal workington.   45 mins.   1-2

Half time scores 
Worksop. 0. Lancaster. 0
Bamber bridge. 0. Bradford. 1
Morpeth. 1. Matlock  2
Atherton Cols 1 warrington Rylands. 1
Stafford 2. Fc utd  1
Guiseley 1. Basford. 0
Macclesfield 2. Gainsborough. 0
Ashton. 2 v Marske 0
Marine. 0.  Whitby.  3

UPDATES August 19th 2023 16:18
 
Northern Premier League 
Premier Division
Ashton United 2 Marske United 0
Atherton Collieries 1 Warrington Rylands 1
Bamber Bridge  0 Bradford PA 1
Guiseley 1 Basford United 0
Ilkeston Town 2 Workington 1 
Macclesfield 2 Gainsborough Trinity 0
Marine 1 Whitby Town 3
Morpeth Town 1 Matlock Town 2 
Radcliffe 1 Hyde United 0 
Stafford Rangers 2 FC United Manchester 1 
Worksop Town 0 Lancaster City 0 
 
Others
Derby County 1 Fleetwood Town 0
Doncaster Rovers 0 Notts County 2
Grimsby Town 1 Mansfield Town 0
Chesterfield 1 Oldham Athletic 1 ft
Rushall Olympic 0 Scunthorpe United 1
Tamworth 0 Alfreton Town 1
Long Eaton United 1 Royston Town 2
Anstey Nomads 2 Eastwood Community 1
Belper Town 0 Leek Town 1
Carlton Town 1 Maltby Main 0