Last updated at 11:55, Wednesday, 02 January 2013

Workington boss Darren Edmondson is to step-up his hunt for an experienced keeper following the wrist injury to Arran Taylor.

First game: Jonathan Mitchell

Although teenage Newcastle loanee Jonathan Mitchell produced a solid debut in yesterday’s 2-1 home defeat to Harrogate, the Reds manager feels an experienced last line of defence is a priority.

“It was disappointing to lose against Harrogate because we went into the game only five points off the play-offs. But it’s still wide open and there’s plenty left to play for over the last four months of the season. Young Jonathan did well on his debut. He handled and kicked well and did exactly as Newcastle said he would but it is a key position and with us still in the platy-off mix I think an experienced keeper is a must,” he said.

Taylor, a Carlisle self-employed joiner, fell off his ladder just before Christmas and could face up to three months on the sidelines.

He has a broken scaphoid in his right wrist and will be in plaster for the next six weeks.

“When I go back to hospital they will have another look and will see how it’s progressing. I’m told that I might have to be in plaster for a further six weeks but we’ll just have to wait and see,” said Taylor, who was full of praise for stand-in Mitchell.

“He did all that was asked of him. He couldn’t be blamed for either goal and I think the way he performed will have given him confidence,” said the injured keeper.

Edmondson said naïve defending in front of Mitchell presented Harrogate with the three points.

“We weren’t at our best yet we could easily have won it 1-0 if certain players had hung off a bit instead of diving in.

“I thought Harrogate did well and they reminded me of how we play when we are going well. They harassed and pressed very strongly throughout and took their chances when they were presented to them,” he said.

Reds are back at Borough Park on Saturday when they host Boston United.

First published at 11:39, Wednesday, 02 January 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk