With Workington Reds battling well in their fight to stay in the NPL Premier Division, there’s also been plenty of encouraging news at the club’s youth levels.
At the weekend the Reds Under-18s made it 11 wins in a row to clinch the JPL North West Division title and still with three games to go.
They beat their nearest rivals Manchester Rose 4-3.
That means they will travel to Warwick University in May for the national finals.
Head coach Conor Cooke said after the latest win: “The players have done an excellent job throughout the season, starting with a good run in the FA youth cup and taking the experience gained into the league fixtures by winning all their games in a tough league.
“We’ll look to continue the good form over the last three league matches whilst gearing up for national finals on May 2 at Warwick University against the winners of the Yorkshire and London league.”
Very proud of their 100% record Reds made a flying start with two goals inside the first 10 minutes.
Alfie McDonough finished off a flowing move while skipper Harrison Telford headed home a free kick from eventual man of the match Joe Douglas.
After Douglas had rattled the bar the visitors reduced the arrears from the penalty spot after a foul by keeper Joe Rumney.
But by half-time Reds had increased their lead to 4-1 with a free kick from Douglas beating everyone to end in the Rose net and then his corner was deflected in off a defender.
When Rose scored a second goal, following a couple of spurned chances for Reds, it might not have looked too concerning.
But they were awarded a second penalty five minutes from the end and scored it to set up some anxious final few minutes.
Reds had to defend stoutly but they did so to register another outstanding result.
Reds now have an unassailable 33 points tally at the top and the battle is on for runners-up with four teams all currently on 18.
Workington Reds manager Billy Barr said: “It is a remarkable effort by the youngsters to win the league with three games left and have a 100% record.
“I am sure there are lads in that team who will come through to be valuable members of the senior squad in the years ahead.”
Team: Joe Rumney, Luke Routledge, Harrison Telford, Matthew Jackson, Charlie White, Joe Douglas, TJ Cueto, Ted Thomson, Oscar Pickering, Alfie McDonough, Harrison Rogers. Substitutes: Joe Carney, Jayden Fulton, Ryan Handford and Liam White (all used)
