Whitehaven were clear-cut winners in their West Lancashire League President’s Cup game at home to Hawcoat Park.
Although against Second Division opposition, the win was a tonic for Whitehaven and new manager Brian Dawson, which they will be looking to take into next Saturday’s Premier Division game at Rossendale.
They got off to a great start with a goal on six minutes from Liam King, who went on to be influential for the rest of the game.
Keenan Mackay doubled the lead on 16 minutes, but Whitehaven seemed to take their foot off the gas and allow Hawcoat back into the game.
They defended well, though, and there was no way in for the visitors who were tidy in their approach work but lacked bite in the final third.
It was still 2-0 at half-time but Whitehaven took control in the second-half, particularly after Harley Cueto made it 3-0 after 53 minutes.
There were second-half doubles for Liam White (61, 78) and Travis Fyfe (68, 72) and equally satisfactory was a welcome clean sheet.
Milnthorpe Corinthians should have played in the same competition but their tie at Ulverston Rangers was postponed.
Millom were also forced to call off their Richardson Cup third round tie at home to Haslingden St Mary’s.
Whitehaven manager Brian Dawson talks about his side’s performance below:
