New boy Jamie Mellon got the perfect start to his Workington Reds career with a goal and a man-of-the-match performance against Whitehaven Amateurs.

The former Everton youngster, from Barrow, impressed on his debut as Workington got their pre-season off to a flier last night with a 10-2 win over neighbours Whitehaven AFC.

Reds boss Lee Andrews praised Mellon saying: "Jamie's game was really encouraging. He looked good on the ball and took his goal really well.

"He has settled in really well with us and fit in with everyone."

Andrews said it was the start they had hoped for to the new season and the added bonus was to retain the Shaun Hocking Memorial Trophy.

"It was really pleasing to get the win and start well. There were some decent performances out there and we got the job done," he said.

"It was always the plan to play two teams in either half and it was pleasing that the lads all got 45 minutes.

"They all needed to get used to being back out on the pitch and getting stuck in.

"The lads did themselves justice and nobody looked out of place out there."

And the game did not go all Reds way. The opening 20 minutes were action packed with Sam Joel sneaking one in from a tight angle before Whitehaven equalised through Chris Moore.

And then the Amateurs took the lead as Adam Tubman planted the ball in the back of the net before Scott Allison brought Reds back level.

Another Allison goal made it 3-2 to Workington at half time and then they stepped up a gear in the second half.

Jack Ryan blasted four home, Mellon and Nathan Waterston added one apiece before an Anthony Wright penalty wrapped up the scoring.

"Jack getting four goals was great for his confidence and he took all his goals well," added Andrews.

Amateurs chairman Bill Robson was delighted with the showing from his players and also for raising around £400 for charity in memory of Shaun Hocking.

Mr Hocking was a founder member of the Reds supporters club and also of Whitehaven AFC and the game is played annually in his memory.

"It is very early in the season for our lads but I was really pleased with them," said Robson.

"The lads all put a good shift in and when you're playing against a new side in the second half it was always going to be tough.

"But it is a good start to us and now we have another three friendlies before we start a new season in the West Lancashire League."