Eastwood Town: Badgers' spot of bother

EASTWOOD Town conceded the only goal at Workington from the penalty spot when they were reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes.

Badgers centre-half Craig McAughtrie was sent off for his challenge on home striker Gareth Anison as both challenged for a cross and Anison picked himself up to score confidently from the spot.

The horrors of the previous week's floods were visible to all attending Workington's Borough Park – the collapsed bridge where PC Bill Barker was killed is only yards from the ground.

There was a minute's silence for the policeman before the game began.

Home striker Jonny Wright threatened first, firing a half-chance over the bar.

The Badgers could have taken the lead in the 11th minute when Ross Gardner had a glorious chance but Tony Caig saved well.

Eastwood keeper Jan Budtz saved from Wright as his side found themselves under pressure but the Badgers began to take a hold on the game.

A good move involving Paul Riley and Lindon Meikle found Danny Holland, who turned well but shot wide.

Holland also went close with a free kick after being fouled and then tried an audacious chip from 35 yards but Caig was alert to the danger.

After the home side had taken the lead and McAughtrie (pictured) had departed, Anison almost scored again immediately with an overhead kick that just cleared the bar.

The Badgers made it to half-time with only a further Anthony Wright shot to trouble them but they were soon under pressure again.

Workington started the second half like a team determined to kill the game off.

Jimmy Turner was alert to clear Jonny Wright's shot from in front of goal after the striker had taken the ball around Budtz.

Paul Lloyd and Phil McLuckie both wasted good chances and there was an alarming moment whenBadgers midfielder Emeke Nwadike headed a shot against his own bar.

But the Badgers began to regain a foothold in the game and create chances.

Tom Marshall headed Riley's cross over and Martin Foster's shot was well saved.

Pushing forward, gaps invariably appeared at the back and, in one Workington break, Anison smashed the ball against the underside of the bar and out of play.

Peter Knox thought he had rescued a point for the Badgers with a fine overhead kick but Caig dived superbly to get a strong hand to the ball and deflect it for a corner.

Marshall had the Badgers' final chance but, again, couldn't target his header.

WORKINGTON: Caig, Langford (Andrew 66), Rowentree, May, Aldred, Vipond (Hopper 75), Lloyd, McLuckie, J Wright, Anison, A Wright. Other subs, Rutterledge, Edmondson, Taylor.

EASTWOOD TOWN: Budtz, Turner, Riley (Holmes 84), Nwadike, McAughtrie, Robinson, Gardner, M Foster, Meikle, Holland (Knox 72), Marshall. Other subs: Brown, Whitehurst, Cooper.

REFEREE: G Johnson (Preston).

ATTENDANCE: 296.