Last updated at 11:46, Monday, 03 January 2011

Workington Reds 1 Blyth Spartans 1: Workington Reds were forced to come from behind to secure their first point of 2011 thanks to Anthony Wright’s second half volley.

Anthony Wright

The winger’s 58th minute stab-in cancelled out Michael Tait’s early opener to extend the Borough Park club’s mini revival.

Reds were made to battle hard for the point against a determined Blyth side that broke with pace and skill.

Adam Main, at the heart of the midfield, excelled alongside his more experienced team-mates to earn the man of the match award.

Reds couldn’t have started the new year any worse when they went behind with just three minutes on the clock.

An in-swinging corner found Tait, who was left unmarked. The defender powered his header past a hapless Aaran Taylor to gift the visitors the lead.

Reds response was good and had a chance to get back on level terms within seven minutes but Wright’s slashed effort was deflected for a corner.

From the kick, Gareth Arnison miscued and the danger was gone.

Reds were full of running and had more of the possession but couldn’t find a way past some dogged Blyth defending.

Wright was at the heart of every attacking move but sliced over the bar from Phil McLuckie’s right wing centre midway through the half.

On 33 minutes, Wright had two more chances to fire home but a mixture of brave defending and a great reaction save by Mark Gillespie stopped him netting.

The on-loan Carlisle United shot-stopper had a good game in the Spartans net, pulling off a number of smart saves and showing good hands when called upon.

The visitors were penned back for much of the half but showed their intention to extend their lead when Stephen Turnbull hit a speculative strike from 30 yards.

The midfielder let fly but the ball was always going high over Taylor’s goal.

The move of the game came five minutes before the break and deserved better than McLuckie’s wild blaze over.

Arnison had done well down the left flank, beating two men with his pace and trickery, before finding Main.

The youngster turned sharply and drove a low ball into McLuckie’s path. The midfielder had time to compose himself but decided to shoot first time.

His side-footed hit from 15 yards never tested Gillespie and landed the other side of the Derwent End terracing.

Reds finished the half with a flourish but couldn’t turn their superior possession and pressure into pleasure.

On 42 minutes, Kyle May’s squared header was turned away with bodies steaming in.

Main hit the second half’s first shot in anger on 48 minutes but after beating his marker shot high of the goal from 25 yards.

Reds’ prolonged domination paid off just before the hour mark when Shaun Vipond’s deep corner fell straight onto Wright’s left boot.

The winger, standing adjacent to the back post, side-footed the equaliser leaving Gillespie clutching at air.

The young custodian was called into action a minute later when he got down well to deny captain David Hewson.

Hewson’s struck a hard shot from 25 yards but Gillespie was equal to it.

Goal scoring hero Wright was replaced by the energetic Conor Tinnion, was caused problems down the left wing.

A second appearance was handed to reserve teamer Andy Murray-Jones, who went up front to bolster Reds’ attacking options.

Murray-Jones’ imposing frame allowed him to stand up to the experienced Blyth defenders but a head collision saw him needing attention.

Reds continued to pile on the pressure as time began to run out. First, Tinnion rocketed over from a tight angle, before Arnison brought an excellent one-handed save out of Gillespie.

Arnison had worked the opportunity brilliantly. With his back to goal, he spun his marker before hitting a shot destined for the top corner.

His effort was foiled by Gillespie who flung out a hand to deny him a sweet winner.

Gillespie thwarted Reds’ main goal threat in stoppage time, this time getting down well to his right to block Arnison’s low drive.

Reds: Taylor, Smyth, Langford, May, Andrews, Vipond, Main (Blake 86), Hewson (Murray-Jones 75), Arnison, McLuckie, Wright (Tinnion 69). Subs not used: White.

Attendance: 38

Referee: A. Young

Star man: Adam Main’s determined style has endeared him to the Borough Park faithful. His 86 minutes on the pitch were full of running, tackling and excellent passing before cramp set in.

First published at 09:24, Monday, 03 January 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk