Washington 1 Penrith AFC 3

Penrith AFC continued their unbeaten start to life under manager Jim Nichols with a 3-1 away win at Washington.

With Andrew Murray-Jones and Ben Jackson unavailable, Nichols was forced into making changes, bringing Matthew Read and Ric Faustino in as replacements.

Martyn Coleman, Penrith's leading scorer, was a threat but was also on the end of some rough treatment from a robust Washington rearguard.

The Bonny Blues' defensive unit were strong, restricting Washington's threat on Jonny Jamieson's goal and he dealt confidently with anything he was asked to deal with, however his distribution at times was a little off key.

Goals have been plentiful since Nichols' appointment but both sides cancelled each other out and half-time came to put an end to a very scrappy affair with very little to excite supporters.

Jamie Street was the pick of Penrith's midfield and, indeed, he has been a very useful performer in several positions this season.

Kevin Connelly is beginning to show his undoubted ability. His ball retention and set-piece ability along with his goals will prove a big asset throughout this season.

The second half could not have started in a different fashion with Penrith dominant, putting the Washington defence under heavy pressure before the hard working Coleman deservedly put Penrith ahead with a well-taken goal.

This signalled a five-minute period, which no one could have forecast after the dismal first half.

Skipper Grant Davidson followed this up with a strike he and anyone watching will remember for quite some time. A real wonder goal, struck from distance.

This was followed almost immediately by another Coleman goal. Coleman and Davidson are both Penrith grown and big contributors to a side giving their very best.

However, Washington rallied and pulled a scrappy goal back , which then resulted in Penrith keeper Jamieson making a world-class save to take his side through to another vital three points.

This week's midweek game presents a big challenge with a trip to league leaders North Shields.

It is a game manager Nichols will miss due to work commitments.

Several players should be back to strengthen the squad Nichols has at his command.

The win stretches the Bonny Blues' unbeaten run, which goes all the way back to late August now, even further.

After this weekend's victory, Penrith AFC are now up to 11th place in Northern League, Division One on 15 points from 10 league fixtures - up eight places from where the side were when Nichols was appointed as the club's boss last month.

Penrith AFC line-up: Jonny Jamieson, Willie Paul, Jake Smith, Grant Davidson, Jordan Little, Jamie Street, Ric Faustino, Matthew Read, Aaron Kelly, Martyn Coleman and Kevin Connelly.

Penrith AFC substitutes: Adam Main, Ryan Veitch and Mike Newton.