Workington’s interest in the FA Youth Cup ended at a rainswept Borough Park as the young Reds fell to a slick Hartlepool United side.
They made their exit from the competition after a 3-1 defeat but a gallant effort was praised by lead coach, Conor Cooke.
“I thought we acquitted ourselves well against higher-ranked opposition and I’m proud of their efforts tonight and in the two previous games.
“The players are actually disappointed that they hadn’t done better but Hartlepool were a very good side and had that extra bit of quality in their ranks.”
Reds had actually opened the scoring via a direct free kick with Alfie McDonough finding the back of the net in the 18th minute.
The young striker has created a bit of club history by becoming the first player to score in three consecutive FA Youth Cup fixtures and this superb effort was his fifth in the competition.
But they couldn’t build on that encouraging start and Hartlepool levelled matters 10 minutes later with a fine solo effort from Julius Hounsell.
And further goals in the second half from Charlie Thornton after 56 and 83 minutes sealed Hartlepool’s passage into the next round.
Both goals were rather special – his first an explosive finish from the edge of the box and the second a sublime instinctive shot after Kian Foreman had provided the assist.
Joe Carney was denied by a confident save by Hartlepool keeper Harry Conyard and Luke Routledge and Joe Douglas also went close for the hosts.
