John Fuller reports from Borough Park

Last updated at 10:34, Sunday, 21 December 2008

FA Trophy First Round: Workington Reds 4 King’s Lynn 3: New loan-signing Darren Campion was Workington Reds’ hero on Saturday as his 71st minute strike saw them edge a seven-goal thriller at Borough Park.

Match winner: Darren Champion celebrates scoring the winning goal with Anthony Wright, number 11, in Workington Reds 4-3 victory over Kings Lynn. On-loan Campion, making his debut for Reds, is pictured drilling home th e winner in the 71st minute

The 20-year-old debutant hammered home from the edge of the penalty area as Workington won 4-3 and cemented their place in the second round of the FA Trophy at King’s Lynn’s expense.

The on-loan Carlisle United defender, who started in place of the injured Lee Andrews, was solid from start to finish and deserved his goal.

Antony Wright’s in-swinging corner was headed out to Campion, who composed himself, and struck the ball through a packed box and into the back of the net.

Afterwards manager Darren Edmondson praised his latest signing.

“He had a great debut,” said the gaffer.

“We know what Darren is all about. He’s a good footballer and has a good left foot. He coped very well after being thrown in. No everyone settles into a side straight away but he was solid for us today.”

Another loan signing took his place in the starting XI. Tony Hopper couldn’t make the game with work commitments so skipper David Hewson moved to midfield with Andrew Langford deputising at right back.

Reds took the lead as early as the fifth minute. Phil McLuckie netted his first goal for Workington sliding in and steering a cross from Gari Rowntree past Scott Howie.

Striker Gareth Arnison signalled his intent to score by giving Howie a warning shot on nine minutes. The inform front man shot over from outside the box.

Anthony Wright should have doubled Reds advantage on 10 minutes when he was put through by Arnison. At an angle Wright had bags of time but sent his shot straight at Howie who beat it away.

A minute later Reds were two-up. Shaun Vipond sent Arnison racing clear of the defence. Timing his run to perfection he latched onto the ball, rounded Howie and slotted the ball into an empty net.

On a damp and boggy pitch Reds were running riot and should have been out of sight by half-time.

Hewson and Kyle May both had chances to score. The latter striking against the post when it looked easier to score.

But for all their dominance it was the visitors who ended the half the happier when they pulled a goal back on 41 minutes. Ben Sedgemoor shot from 18 yards, Adam Collin dived to his right but the ball deflected off Michael Frew and trickled over the line.

That goal gave King’s Lynn a lift and they came racing out of the traps in the second half.

On 51 minutes the Linnets were level. Frew’s low, hard free-kick flicked off the head of Luke Graham and into the far corner.

Both sides went for the win and for any neutral among the 240 strong crowd it was a fascinating game to watch.

Reds went ahead just after the hour mark when referee awarded them a hotly disputed penalty. Vipond’s ball into the box seemed to hit Greg Crane on the arm. The assistant didn’t give it but Mick Denton pointed to the spot.

Arnison stepped up and despite a long delay sent Howie the wrong way and gave Reds the lead once more.

However, the lead didn’t last long. Five minutes to be precise as King’s Lynn battled back and put the Workington defence under a lot of pressure.

John Turner’s low cross from the right was missed by Collin and hit Vipond. He could do nothing as the ball rolled over the line to level the score.

Then came Campion’s moment. The defender’s low, driven shot evaded everyone in the Linnets box on 71 minutes and nestled into the back of the net.

As time ran down King’s Lynn had one last effort. Joe Francis looked certain to score as he stood eight yards out with an open goal in front of him. But instead of smashing the ball into the goal, his weak side-foot allowed Rowntree to sprint across and slide along the goal line to save the day and send Workington into the next round.

Afterwards King’s Lynn boss Keith Webb was not happy with the penalty Reds were given, he said: “I don’t know how he has come up with that decision. The lad had his hands down and from two yards away the ball was hit right at him.

“The assistant, who was closer, didn’t give it but he decided to give it. As a manager I can only stand by and watch.”

Edmondson agreed the decision was harsh but added: “I can see why Keith (Webb) wasn’t happy but you do get them given.

“It was a cracking cup tie for the neutrals but even when we were two up I knew we needed another.

“All three of their goals came from set pieces of some kind and we need to look at that but I am happy and the chairman will be happy that we are in the next round.”

Workington received £5,000 for the win and will find out later today who they are drawn with in the second round.

MATCH FACTS

Reds: Collin, Hewson, Rowntree, May, Campion, McLuckie, Vipond, Langford, J.Wright, Arnison, A.Wright.

Attendance: 240

Referee: Mick Denton

Star man: It’s a tough one. Again Jonny Wright ran his socks off, Gareth Arnison scored twice, Kyle May was the rock at the back and Gari Rowntree’s heroics late on were all strong contenders.

However, Darren Campion making his debut was solid all game. He won tackles, headers and scored the winner for Workington and deservedly takes the star man award.

First published at 11:26, Monday, 15 December 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk