By Dan McGlasson

Last updated at 12:05, Monday, 23 July 2012

Workington Reds 0 Queen of the South 2: Workington Reds were condemned to their second pre-season defeat courtesy of two first-half goals from their Dumfries visitors.

Jonny Wright

Queen of the South, who named a relatively strong team featuring seven of the regular starting 11, took the lead after seven minutes.

An poor back pass from Mark Boyd was punished as Kevin Smith slipped round the last Workington defender and his cross was put away by Nicky Clarke.

It was Smith who doubled the Doonhamers lead on the stroke of half-time with a well-created and executed goal.

A lovely back heel from Willie Gibson on half-way enabled player-manager Alan Johnston to release, Smith and he cleverly turned Lee Andrews inside out, before lifting the ball over Aaran Taylor.

In between the two Queens’ goals, Workington had looked tidy and solid, creating a series of half chances and just before the half hour mark they could have been level. However, referee’s assistant ruled Zach Clark to be offside.

After a poor clearance by the visitors’ trialist centre half, Reds’ striker Gareth Arnison’s curled shot came back off the post into the path of Clark who put the ball in the net from an offside position.

Workington new boy Chris Wraighte had struggled in midweek against Carlisle, but this time he looked a lot more comfortable, attacking the full-backs on both flanks when given the opportunity.

Workington’s best chance of the game fell to Jonny Wright after substitute Jake Simpson floated a teasing ball into the box only for the striker to head wide of the target.

After a series of substitutes from both sides, it was the visitors who nearly went further ahead

Reds had continued to search for a way back into the game with Simpson again looking menacing down the right flank.

But when he won a free-kick in a promising position it was the visitors who nearly scored, launching a lightening quick counter attack, playing the ball into Clarke who pulled his shot just wide of the far post.

Queen of the South were the better side as the game progressed and they knocked the ball around well but Reds boss Darren Edmondson won’t be too disheartened. It was an improvement on Tuesday’s performance against Carlisle, although the continued lack of goals for his side is a major concern.

In the three main friendlies so far against Barrow, Carlisle and Queen of the South they have failed to net a single goal.

Before they play the return game at Borough Park against Barrow on Friday night, Reds have agreed to play tonight at Cleator Moor Celtic (7.30). Former Reds player Matt Henney invited Edmondson last week to take a team to the Wearside League club and the offer of an extra game was taken up.

First published at 11:28, Monday, 23 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk