By John Fuller

Last updated at 13:34, Monday, 10 August 2009

Workington Reds 0 Hinckley Unted 1: Workington Reds suffered an early season defeat on Saturday after visitors Hinckley United were awarded a harsh penalty.

Matt Henney

Defender Kyle May was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box after Stuart Giddings had driven across a low ball.

Manager Darren Edmondson was left furious with the decision and after the match lambasted referee Paul Kettlewell.

He said: “It is a cruel way to lose a football match and it beggar’s belief that referees can give these kind of decisions.

“The ball was driven in with pace and hit Kyle’s trailing arm. He never moved his hand towards the ball. It is a very harsh decision.”

Tony Caig made his league debut in goal but could do nothing to stop Adam Webster’s 66th minute spot kick. The striker thrashed the ball into the top left corner, giving the former Carlisle United stopper no chance.

Reds started the game with two influential midfielders both missing out. Shaun Vipond’s international clearance had not been sorted out and Phil McLuckie arrived back from holiday with a throat infection.

That gave Andy Hardman the chance to start the match and he almost helped Reds to a 1-0 lead. Jonny Wright flicked the ball on to Hardman, whose inch perfect ball found Gareth Arnison. The big striker raced goalwards but his effort from the edge of the box went straight to keeper Chris Mackenzie.

Reds started the game slowly and were on the back foot for the first 20 minutes. Keeper Caig was not forced to make a save but Hinckley used the ball to good effect and kept possession.

As the half drew on, Reds grew in confidence, passing smoothly and should have been ahead on 29 minutes.

Mat Henney’s ball down the line to Arnison was good, the front man rounded Mackenzie and slotted home only to see the assistant with his flag up for offside.

The 426 Workington fans at Borough Park protested but the free kick was awarded.

The same combination teamed up minutes into the second half. Henney picked the ball up in his own half and ran at pace down the right.

His ball to Arnison was neat but the striker didn’t get a good touch, which allowed Mackenzie to pick up the ball.

Caig made his first save of the game on 55 minutes, blocking Webster’s near post effort for a corner before the penalty just after the hour mark.

Dan Shannon replaced Hardman with 20 minutes to play but he couldn’t help Workington rescue a point.

Arnison had another chance to find the net but his show was deflected over after Henney had headed the ball back across goal.

With seven minutes to play Caig was again called upon, this time saving well with his feet, after Andy Hall had broken through.

Five minutes of injury time were added on to the surprise of most people left inside the ground but Workington just couldn’t find a way to break down the visitors.

With just one minute left on the clock fullback Giddings was the hero when he took the ball of Henney’s toe just as it looked like the winger would net a late equaliser.

Team: Caig, Langford, Rowntree, May, Andrews, Hardman (Shannon 71), Henney, Hopper, J.Wright, Arnison, A.Wright ; Subs not used: Ruttledge, Robinson, Casson, Taylor

Star man: Veteran midfielder Tony Hopper was superb in the centre of the park. His all-round game play will be key to Workington Reds this season. He broke up play, defended well and supported the attack.

Attendance: 426

Referee: Paul Kettlewell

First published at 11:50, Monday, 10 August 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk