Workington Reds co-manager Dave Hewson was pleased with his side as they moved into the next round of the Cumberland Cup after a 5-2 victory over neighbours Whitehaven Amateurs.

Four goals from Sam Joel and one from Matty Douglas sealed the win for Reds with Kevin Holliday and Nathan Dryden replying for Amateurs.

“It was job done,” admitted Hewson. “The most important thing was to be professional in our approach and get a positive result and we did that.

“I thought our young players and new players came in and all did extremely well, with special mention for Joseph Hetherington, for a 16-year-old he had a fantastic game.

“Sam Joel’s was obviously the stand-out performance and I just think it was clear for all to see the talent he has.”

Hewson also praised the returning Phil McLuckie, who has rejoined the club this week, saying: “He looked like he hadn’t been out for that long. He slotted in well positionally.

“I was very pleased with him at full-back on both sides, it’s just going to take a little bit of time to get him up to full match fitness."

Reds now go on to meet Carlisle United in the next round.

The first goal came early on for Reds as they stated their intent. After just 10 minutes, Rob Wilson put in a high cross for Matty Douglas to rise up and meet and put into the back of the net.

But Whitehaven provided some pressure of their own as a good shot from Kevin Holliday had to be blocked by Joseph Hetherington and went out for a corner which the home side dealt with.

Lamin Cham made his long-awaited return from an injury he picked up in the pre-season friendly against Whitehaven. But it did not last long as he limped from the field after just 20 minutes of the game.

The newly re-signed Phil McLuckie was called on to clear a shot off the line but Reds immediately went back on the attack and this time they got their reward.

Sam Joel nipped past the Whitehaven keeper and slotted the ball home for Reds’ second and the third was nearly a carbon copy.

The last word of the half went to Workington as Joel looked to get through to face the keeper once more but was brought down by Johnson.

The referee pointed to the spot and Joel stepped up to duly dispatch the penalty into the back of the net and clinch his hat-trick and give his side a 4-0 half-time lead.

Into the second half and Whitehaven had the best of the opening exchanges.

Amateurs finally got just reward for their efforts as they slammed in two quick goals, the first was a simple tap-in for Kevin Holliday.

Then the second was a lovely strike from the boot of Nathan Dryden which shot past the keeper into the back of the net.

But, on the break, Sam Joel was put in the clear once again and he put the ball past the keeper for a fourth time.

There was a late blow for Whitehaven keeper Stuart Pettitt who was sent from the field for handling outside the area. But Scott Pears stepped up into goal and immediately saved the resulting free kick much to the delight of the crowd.