By John Fuller

Last updated at 13:28, Monday, 26 April 2010

Workington Reds 1 Stafford Rangers 1: Workington Reds head into the play-offs on the back of an eleven-game unbeaten run after drawing 1-1 with Stafford.

Adam Main, 18

Boss Darren Edmondson decided to rest a number of key players and put his faith instead in the younger members of his squad.

Jonny Blake was the pick of the bunch in the centre of midfield as he started his first game since joining from Carlisle United.

The 19-year-old put in a mature performance to win the adulation of the 656 fans inside Borough Park.

Blake was joined in the middle of the park by college student Adam Main. The 18-year-old did well breaking up play and making sure Reds continued to press forward.

Striker Gareth Arnison also came back into the fold after recovering from a troublesome ankle injury.

And it was Arnison’s good work down the left wing that almost gifted Reds an opening goal.

His neat play with Anthony Wright set up Dan Shannon but his shot was well saved by Stafford shot-stopper Lee Evans low to his right.

Reds started brightly and played their opponents off the park for long periods but couldn’t find a way through.

Their swift football again broke through the Stafford defence but Blake opted to pass the ball to Wright when he had a sight of goal.

Stevie Hindmarch was next to try his luck in front of goal but he jumped too early and headed over the bar after a vicious cross by Gari Rowntree.

Rowntree, who scored his first goal for the club against Hyde earlier in the week, blasted a free-kick over the bar on 29 minutes.

It looked like only a matter of time before Reds took the lead but they were stunned by a Stafford opener less than 60 seconds after Rowntree’s miss.

Keeper Evans hoisted a long ball that caught the Workington defence napping. Nick Wellecomme was through on goal and pushed the ball past the advancing Aaran Taylor to open the scoring.

Reds’ response was good but they grew increasingly more frustrated by a stubborn Stafford defence.

Main played in David Hewson on 37 minutes, he shrugged off his marker but Evans palmed away his shot to keep the hosts out.

Evans in the Stafford goal was having a great game and he came to the rescue a minute later, this time beating away Arnison’s shot after Blake had put him in with a delightful ball.

As half-time approached Reds had one last chance to go in level but both Hindmarch and Wright were both denied by some brave blocking.

Wellecomme had a chance to double his tally for the day 10 minutes after the restart but he headed over the bar from a corner.

The striker, who was virtually unmarked, should have done better and the miss proved costly as Reds finally found a way through on 61 minutes. Wright acrobatically fired home from Blake’s long corner.

Stafford skipper Craig McAughtrie, the former Carlisle defender, was then shown a straight red card for foul and abusive language.

This was the second time the big defender has seen red at Borough Park this season. He was sent off playing for Eastwood earlier in the campaign.

Jonny Wright came on for his first appearance in a few weeks to see out the game and get some vital playing time before the play-offs.

The hit man had a chance to win the match but his shot from a tight angle was straight at Evans and the visitors held on for a point.

Reds finished the game with 10 men as Kyle May came off with a back injury.

First published at 11:30, Monday, 26 April 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk