Three early goals meant Workington Reds went in at half time with an advantage over visitors Glossop North End in the FA Trophy tie.

But they did not have it easy with Glossop striking back later on in the game to put the home side under some pressure at 3-1.


Glossop had to make a few changes from the side that held Reds to a draw at the weekend and they travelled with just two substitutes, one of which being their co-manager Stephen Halford.

It was a fantastic start for Workington as they took the lead in the seventh minute. Dave Symington got in a cross to the far post where Matty Douglas rose the highest to head home past the keeper.

Sam Joel got on to a good ball through from Symington and was closing in on goal when he was brought down in the box.

The referee didn't hesitate and pointed straight to the penalty spot, where Scott Allison then stepped up and struck it hard into the back of the net to double the lead.

Glossop went right back up to the opposite end of the field and tried to get back into the game, Reds having to defend three successive corners which they did with ease.

But by the 22nd minute Workington had gone 3-0 ahead with a lovely pass from Allison into the path of Sam Joel. And he finished it well striking the ball past the keeper.

More good work from Symington down the left hand flank had Glossop on the back foot and he got in another good cross which came back out to Phil McLuckie on the edge of the area. He struck it hard but the ball weaved to the right of the target.

There was further danger from Symington who switched to the right hand side and was dancing through the defenders but his final shot lacked a little power and went straight through to the keeper.

Tinnion then got into the action and got the ball into the area where it was headed down towards McLuckie, who found himself in the clear on the edge of the area again.

This time he struck it straight and true but Paul Phillips, in the Glossop goal, took it safely.

Against the run of play Glossop were back in the thick of the action when the ball was headed down to Zeph Thomas at the far post and he had a simple tap-in to get the visitors on the scoreboard.

This seemed to spur the visitors on and they came to life, putting the Reds defence under some real pressure.

And when the half time whistle came it was to the relief of Workington to give them time to regroup.

But they went into the changing rooms 3-1 ahead with 45 minutes remaining.