John Fuller reports from Borough Park

Last updated at 23:34, Wednesday, 25 February 2009

Workington Reds 1 Droylsden 1: Last gasp heroics from Workington Reds keeper Adam Collin ensured a 1-1 draw with Droylsden last night.

Adam Collin saves the penalty

Collin dived full-length to his left to keep out a 90th minute penalty from left-back Sean Newton and make sure Darren Edmondson’s side didn’t lose their third straight league game.

It was Collin’s initial error that gifted the visitors the chance to snatch all three points when he brought down Jamie McGuire in the box.

An in-swinging free-kick from Newton bounced just in front of Collin who failed to collect the ball cleanly. As it broke loose, McGuire took it past him and a flailing arm from the 24-year-old keeper brought the midfielder tumbling to the ground.

Referee Paul Marsden had no hesitation pointing to the spot but Collin’s smart save made sure the score-line stayed at 1-1.

It was a battling point for Workington, who had to come from behind after Droylsden had taken the lead midway through the first-half. Captain Steve Halford poked in a Newton corner on 31 minutes.

But Workington fought hard and made sure of a point when Gareth Arnison cooly slotted home a 61st minute penalty.

Lee Andrews was blocked off from going for the ball from a Shaun Vipond free-kick and after consulting the assistant referee, Marsden gave Workington a penalty. Arnison netted his ninth league goal of the campaign sending keeper Craig Mawson the wrong way.

Afterwards Edmondson said: “In the second-half it was end-to-end stuff and I think we had the beating of them. I would have taken a point before the game but now I think we should have had all three points. We had some good chances to steal the win while they didn’t create a great deal.

“We gifted them a goal but we were confident in the way we dealt with everything else they threw at us.

“In the second-half we unsettled them and their defence began to look sluggish. We dominated but couldn’t finish them off.”

There were two changed to the Workington line-up after the defeat to Tamworth at the weekend. Top scorer Jonny Wright was available to play following a three match suspension and started ahead of Andy Cook and on-loan winger Jack Dorney started in place of Anthony Wright.

Reds could have taken the lead as early as the second minute when Andrew Langford’s through ball set up Arnison, but he was unable to round the keeper and the ball was cleared.

Droylsden had more possession but failed to create many chances and were almost punished when Lee Andrews connected with a Vipond corner but his stabbing shot was cleared off the line.

Droylsden took the lead on 31 minutes when Halford looped home a shot from a Newton corner and they could have doubled their advantage a few minutes later but Steve Pickford’s header went just wide.

As the half went on Reds had two more chances to level. Arnison again was sent racing clear but his shot was saved by Mawson’s legs and defender Kyle May hit a thunderous drive from 30 yards only for Mawson to hurl himself to the left and push it away.

Just after the hour mark Reds were level when Arnison netted from the spot.

On 66 minutes Anthony Wright replaced Dorney, who didn’t show the ability he has when coming off the bench.

Then Reds had three chances in as many minutes. First Phil McLuckie was away and through on goal but again Mawson’s legs came to the rescue. Then Tony Hopper and Jonny Wright both had headers kept out.

On 78 minutes Andy Cook replaced Arnison and with five minutes left Anthony Wright could have stolen all three points but his side-foot shot flew over the bar.

Edmondson said he was pleased with his side’s performance and defended Dorney’s performance. He said: “Jack has played for Bury’s first team so he’s a good player.

“He was up against a big lad tonight but we know he has ability. He has shown his ability in the times he has come off the bench and I was happy for him to start. He was a bit weak tonight but he has a great left foot and a good footballing brain.

“I am pleased with how we reacted to going a goal down and now all eyes are on Southport this weekend.”

MATCH FACTS

Star man: Lee Andrews was solid at the back and won the penalty for Workington. His partnership with Kyle May is crucial and both performaed well. May must be made of steel to play with a fractured nose but Andrews edged it this time out.

Referee: Paul Marsden

Attendance: 281.

First published at 11:34, Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk