Workington Reds must wait another year for the chance to enjoy an FA Cup run after a 1-0 home defeat to Hebburn Town in the first qualifying run.
Hebburn gained their revenge for a 2-1 defeat in the NPL Premier Division on Monday with a deserved victory at Borough Park.
They didn’t look like joint leaders in the League clash, but with four team changes, there was the sense of determination about Hebburn’s start to the game that signalled an intent to make amends for their earlier performance.
They scored the only goal of the tie in the fifth minute but could have been four to the good by the first 15 minutes and Joseph Posthill, one of the men coming into the side after injury, certainly made a difference.
He scored the goal when he latched onto a ball over the top from Oliver Martin and he was able to steer the ball across keeper Alex Mitchell into the net.
Soon afterwards he was through again but this time Mitchell came out smartly to make a brave block at his feet.
Amar Purewal hit the bar from close range and Tom Wilkinson had to clear off the line when Posthill went round Mitchell and shot from a tight angle.
It seemed as though a second goal must arrive but Workington weathered the storm and gradually began to make their own mark on the game.
Workington’s slow start to the game had cost them because in the last ten minutes of the half they built up good momentum which suggested they looked capable of getting back on terms.
Steven Rigg headed wide, Josh Galloway shot just over and there were other efforts from Dav Symington and Kai Nugent which were blocked or were just off target.
Hebburn were strong and brave in their defensive work, making a number of committed close range blocks so keeper Kieran Hunter was not seriously tested.
They again looked dangerous at the start of the second-half when Workington needed their own bold work in defence with both Jordan Little and Steve Swinglehurst producing important interceptions and clearances under pressure.
In the end Workington huffed and puffed, forced a series of corners but couldn’t do enough to salvage a replay.
But they do have a week’s rest now before the next assignment – a home clash with Warrington Rylands – and manager Mark Fell is likely to give a debut to new defensive signing Efe Ambrose while hoping to ass an experienced midfielder to the squad.
To hear Mark Fell’s comments on the game you can listen below:
