Last updated at 11:51, Monday, 10 December 2012

Darren Edmondson hailed his side’s “brilliant performance” as Workington Reds put the ghost of losing 6-1 to Bradford Park Avenue to bed with victory at Gloucester City.

Darren Edmondson

Joe Mwasile’s early strike was enough to secure the win, and move Reds up to ninth in the Blue Square Bet North.

Workington are now just five points off the play-offs, and Edmondson was delighted they earned a first clean sheet in the league this season.

The shut out has taken 17 games, but Edmondson said: “It was a brilliant performance.

“We showed so much grit and desire to come away with three points.

“We showed the real us, and ground out a deserved win.

“From No1 to No11, the performance was right, and we took the game to Gloucester.

“I can’t knock out effort. We were outstanding.

“When we play like this, we’re not far away from being a decent team in this league.

We’re picking up points, and going in the right direction.”

New boy JJ Hooper, Newcastle youth product, who joined the Borough Park ranks on Friday on work experience, made his debut.

“JJ is a striker who is highly rated,” said Edmondson. “He adds something different to the squad, and importantly offers more competition.

“We don’t know how long Jordan Connerton will be missing for, so it’s important we have options.

“JJ comes in at a time when we have a packed schedule, and will definitely feature.

“We have created chances and not put them away, which needs to change. Hopefully. JJ can find the back of the net, and help us win points over Christmas.

“He’s highly rated. Newcastle think a lot of him, and I know he has the quality to come in and make an immediate impact.”

First published at 11:39, Monday, 10 December 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk