By John Walsh

Last updated at 09:17, Tuesday, 20 January 2009

Fleetwood 1 Workington Reds 0: Workington slipped to their first defeat in seven games when they conceded yet another goal from a set-piece.

Management and fans have lost count of the number of times this season that Reds have given away goals from these situations.

Corners and free kicks have produced the vast majority of goals that Workington have conceded so far, and when one proves to be the decider it’s even more disappointing.

Assistant manager Viv Busby said: “We spent a fair bit of time after the game talking about why we continue to concede from these situations. It’s something that is particularly aggravating to Darren and myself, and we really must tighten up in this area.”

There hadn’t been a lot between the two sides and a 0-0 stalemate was the most likely outcome when Nathan Pond struck in the 77th minute.

Gari Rowntree was extremely unlucky to concede a controversial free-kick from a clear 50-50 situation out on the right-hand side.

Skipper Jamie Milligan slung over a good, curling free-kick and Pond came through powerfully to plant a firm header beyond Adam Collin into the top corner.

Fleetwood had seen more of the ball and had the territorial advantage in the second-half but had created nothing until then.

Workington, to be fair, were flat and lifeless in the second-half after they had just about shaded the first-half.

Even so they did go close to breaking the deadlock before Pond’s goal.

Shaun Vipond cut in from the left and a fiercely struck shot was brilliantly turned over by Danny Hurst – the best save of the game.

Even late on Workington could have snatched a point when Phil McLuckie pulled one back across goal and it only needed a touch to finish-off but neither striker could get there.

McLuckie had missed Workington’s best chance in the first period because he probably didn’t realise how much time he had. Anthony Wright’s cross found him unmarked just inside the area but he snatched at the shot and pulled it well wide.

Gareth Arnison also went close at he end of the first-half when he was played in by skipper Dave Hewson on the right-hand side. His cross spooned off

Hurst’s chest across goal and full-back Kieran Walmsley, from under the bar, headed to safety to concede a corner.

Fleetwood came nearest to taking the lead early in the game when a back pass from Kyle May was completely missed by Collin as he tried to boot clear.

Fortunately the ball came back off the post and the Reds keeper had the presence of mind to lash it behind for a corner.

Workington found it difficult to get into their stride in the second-half and the cohesion and rhythm, which has been a feature of their unbeaten run, was strangely lacking.

If they can recapture that bounce, verve and energy for the return on New Year’s Day there’s no reason why they shouldn’t exact revenge.

MATCH FACTS

Workington: Collin, Hewson, Rowntree, May, Campion, McLuckie, Vipond, Hopper, J. Wright, Arnison, A. Wright (Robinson 81). Subs not used: Langford, Tait, Edmondson.

Referee: Mr B. Toner

Crowd: 1269

First published at 09:03, Saturday, 27 December 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk