Cleator Moor Celtic had to work hard, coming from behind to beat a Workington Development side 2-1.
It was a good show by the young Reds side who included seven Under-17s in their line-up, while a good number of the Celtic squad had previously played for Workington teams.
The young Workington side were the sharper, more constructive side in the opening 25 minutes and although Celtic came more into it there were few clear-cut chances and it was goal-less at the break.
It was the Reds who went ahead in the second-half when Cain Pears lifted a free kick into the area where Scott Williamson headed across goal for Chad Grisdale to head home from close-in.
But Celtic finished the game strongest and two former Workington players won the game for the hosts.
James Bell got forward down the right and inside the area his low cross-shot found its way into the far corner.
The winner was a peach. Taylor Hambling was teed up 20 yards out and his superbly struck shot found the top corner – a goal worthy of winning any game.
????HAMBLING ROCKET????
— Cleator Moor Celtic (@CMCelticFC) July 22, 2023
Taylor Hambling from 25yards scores the winner in spectacular fashion against @WorkingtonAFC Development.????⚽️ pic.twitter.com/TN7Lwvw3EZ
Celtic boss Brian Dawson said: “We were very disjointed in the first 30 minutes in truth but I think we need to give credit to the opposition who looked organised, comfortable on the ball and played with real intensity which we struggled to cope with.
“Once we settled into the game we started to look dangerous and created several good chances. The longer it went on I felt we had more control of the game however, that’s two consecutive games now where we’ve gone behind which is a concern. We’ve managed to find ways to win both games so I guess that’s pleasing.
“Obviously we were missing several regulars for the game and lots of new faces are still getting up to speed with how we want them to play but we’re getting there. We’ve got two weeks to iron out our deficiencies before our opener at home to Poulton.”
Reds’ joint boss Craig Johnston said: “I was absolutely delighted with the way we played and I don’t think we deserved to lose.”
