Workington Reds beat Penrith 3-1 at Borough Park last night in what proved a good workout for both teams.
Reds’ Danny Grainger and his Penrith counterpart Darren Edmondson both expressed satisfaction at what they had seen from their respective sides.
It’s a bit more pressing for Penrith, as they start their Northern League campaign at Whitley Bay on Saturday while Reds have another fortnight before they open their campaign at home to Ashton United.
Reds had dominated possession in the first-half and created a number of opportunities as Grainger tried out a new formation.
“It was something we wanted to look at ahead of the new season so that we have a Plan B if we need one,” he said.
Oldham loanee Kofi Moore was heavily involved – hitting the bar, shooting just over and wide on two occasions and also seeing Penrith keeper Harvey Reay holding onto a deflected shot.
Steve Rigg headed just over and Cieran Casson shot narrowly wide as Reds enjoyed long periods of possession.
They did take the lead after 18 minutes when a free kick from Conor Tinnion near the corner flag was flapped at by Reay and Rigg was there to fire home from close range.
Penrith had their best spell in the ten minutes before half-time and levelled on 41 minutes. Lovely skill from Alfie Brunskill on the edge of the area saw him lose two home defenders and a perfectly weighted pass found Shene Dorwood who hammered the ball past Lewis Boyd.
Grainger made six changes at half-time and a further two (including the return of keeper Jim Atkinson and Dav Symington) later in the half.
Two goals inside three minutes restored Workington’s advantage inside the first quarter of an hour.
On 54 minutes good work by Aidy Roxburgh out wide on the left, and Connor Hammill ended with Bobby Carroll curling a fine shot from two yards outside the area into the top corner.
Three minutes later the impressive youngster Lewis Moore played a one-two with Lewis Reilly before firing into the bottom corner.
Penrith included Obua Mugalula in the second-half, following his week-end release by Workington, and the Bonny Blues hope to complete a signing in time for him to face Whitley Bay on Saturday.
“I had nightmares after the Cumberland Cup final when he scored four goals against us so I hope we can get him signed and bring the best out of him,” said Edmondson.
Because their playing surface is being replaced Penrith face the first ten games away from home, including FA Cup and FA Vase ties.
