Workington Reds 1-0 Ashton United: A superb goal from the boot of Rob Wilson proved the difference for Workington Reds as they edged past Ashton United 1-0.

Wilson’s 12th-minute strike sealed a win and a leap up the Evo Stik Premier League for Workington.

It was a skilful performance from Reds and they created opportunities across the park.

But, if they want to keep advancing in the league, they are going to have to convert more of their chances.

On the balance of play, Reds could have won this match with a two or three-goal advantage.

But, as it was, one goal proved to be enough as Reds got their league campaign firmly on track.

Reds set their stall out early on in the match as a shot from Jake Simpson flew wide of the target.

And it didn’t take long for the home side to take the lead as Rob Wilson hit a superb strike from 25-yards out into the top corner.

Ashton had their best chance when a short back pass to Aaran Taylor gave the keeper too much to do.

He was caught out of his area but Matty Chadwick could not make him pay as his cross went behind the open goal.

A free-kick from the boot of Tinnion curled into a packed penalty area but went just wide of goal.

Ashton then broke up to the opposite end of the pitch and Chadwick had two good chances.

The first was blocked by Matty Douglas and his second attempt took a slight deflection and rolled across the face of the goal.

Reds renewed their attack on the Ashton goalmouth but both Wilson and Tinnion saw their efforts go wide of the target.

Wilson was then called on to make a good headed clearance in his own goalmouth as Ashton struck back.

Tinnion lofted a nice ball into the area but again Reds could not find the finishing touch.

And, despite their best efforts, they could not add to the score before half time.

Into the second half and again there was an early chance for Reds as Symington put in a nice cross from the right but Elliot Newby jut couldn’t get the shot in.

An early shot on the run from Tinnion was saved by a diving keeper close to his post.

And there was some controversy for the visitors when they had calls for a penalty waved away by the referee after a player went down in the area.

Reds were sparked back into action as Tinnion set off on a brilliant mazy run into the box, beating defenders all around him but the final shot was blocked for a corner.

The corner beat everyone and came out to the right hand side, where it was put back into the box but Kyle May’s header did not find the target.

Reds kept going and Symington’s shot was cleared by keeper Terry Smith before Waterston’s follow-up header went over the bar.

Great inter-passing in the box saw Waterston create a great opportunity for Scott Allison but his effort agonisingly brushed past the post.

A corner for Ashton caused some consternation for Reds as they battled to finally clear upfield and then a long-range shot was gathered by Taylor at the second attempt.

But Ashton’s chances were few and far between as Reds broke back with Allison going close.

It was Allison again as he got a great ball through the centre of the field. He beat the defence but the keeper got a hand to his shot.

It rebounded back to the supporting Waterston but his effort went wide.

Tinnion then tried to take the keeper on with a shot at his near post but he was up to the task and collected.

Another quick run from Tinnion released Symington and he put a high cross in but Allison just couldn’t meet it.

Wilson could have got a second as he unleashed another scorcher but it wasn’t to be as the shot was just wide.

Hebson was at the centre of things not long after joining the fray when he was brought down twice in quick succession in the box.

But the referee was not having any of Reds’ penalty claims and waved play on on both occasions.

However, Reds saw the game out to clinch a vital win at home.

And they will now look forward to the visit of Stafford Rangers on Saturday.

Workington Reds: Taylor, Simpson, Smith, May, Douglas, Wilson, Symington, Allison, Waterston (Hebson 76), Newby, Tinnion. Subs (not used): Henderson, Bethwaite, Carter, Jolly

Goals: Wilson 12

Ashton: T Smith, Coo, Mason (Maiese 52), Frost, Cowan, Moses, Lees, R Smith (Steenson 74), Gaskell, Chadwick, Dorney (Lofthouse 83). Subs (not used): Banim

Referee: C Porter

Crowd: 374