United were defeated in the Cumberland Cup Final following a second-half strike from Scott Allison.
The Workington attacker opened the scoring on the hour-mark, netting what would ultimately prove to be the winner from close range.
On 2 minutes, the first big chance of the contest fell to Workington’s Sam Christian at the back post, but he was unable to bring the ball under control.
Three minutes later, United looked to counter through Jordan Gibson on the left, before he cut inside and found Romeo Park, whose effort was deflected wide from outside the area.
Fellow second-year scholar Jake Allan would try his luck from distance moments later, but his attempt was also deflected off target, before forcing goalkeeper Danny Eccles into a save seconds later.
The Blues were forced into an early alteration as Jack Ellis had to be withdrawn through injury on 15 minutes with James Murray replacing him.
On 23 minutes, Jordan Gibson looked to pick out Anton Dudik in the centre of the box, but the danger was cleared before the latter could fire at goal.
Conor Tinnion looked to open the scoring with a headed effort as we approached the half-hour mark seeing Tomas Holy make a calm stop centrally.
United almost broke the deadlock on 31 minutes as Anton Dudik set the ball at the feet of Sam Hetherington, his effort wrong-footed the ‘keeper, but he ultimately made a strong low save.
Three minutes later, Jayden Harris looked to battle his way beyond several Workington bodies down the left, before the defence stood firm and cleared the threat.
As we entered the final stages of the first-half, Scott Allison had the best opportunity of the game. After knocking the ball over Allan, he struck the ball on the volley, which rattled off the post out the reach of Tomas Holy.
Moments later, Dudik had a chance to put Carlisle ahead, but his shot curled wide of Eccles’ net.
Following a United corner, the ball found its way to Romeo Park on the edge of the box, but the youngster blasted over on the stroke of half-time.
Half-time: Carlisle United 0-0 Workington AFC
Hetherington’s driving run ended with a powerful effort, which was parried away by the Workington shot-stopper, but Harris was unable to turn home the rebound from close range.
On 54 minutes, Steve Rigg looked to weave his way through the Blues’ defence and skipper Josh O’Brien was on hand to make a tremendous block to keep the contest level.
Jayden Harris went on a mazy run down the right, prior to finding Dudik, whose attempt was blocked as United continued to search for the lead.
On 60 minutes, Workington opened the scoring as Scott Allison lashed into the back of Tomas Holy’s net from point-blank range.
Freddie O’Donoghue was introduced to the action soon after, replacing Romeo Park for United.
After entering the fray, O’Donoghue looked to cause a threat down the left with his best chance coming on 73 minutes. The youngster wriggled beyond two Workington defenders, before cutting inside and lashing over the bar.
Symington came close to extending Workington’s advantage with a quarter-of-an-hour left to play, but his low drive deflected wide for a corner which came to nothing.
Harris provided Dudik with another chance in the closing minutes, but the attacker was unable to fire on target and instead fouled an opponent.
Moments later, Dudik was replaced by Dan Hopper.
Symington had a golden opportunity to put the contest to bed on 87 minutes, but his effort which was rifled towards the near post was tipped wide by Holy.
Workington battled at the death to see the game out and win the Cumberland Cup – congratulations to everyone involved.
Full-time: Carlisle United 0-1 Workington AFC
Goals
Carlisle United: N/A
Workington AFC: (Allison 60’)
Bookings
Carlisle United: N/A
Workington AFC: (Casson 69’)
Teams
Carlisle United: Holy, Ellis (Murray 15’), Emmanuel, O’Brien ©, Fitzpatrick, Harris, Allan, Hetherington, Gibson, Park (O’Donoghue 64’), Dudik (Hopper 86')
Unused subs: Randall, Fleming
Workington AFC: Eccles, McCaragher, Walker, Howarth, Smith, Casson, Symington, Christian (Martin 77’), Rigg, Allison, Tinnion (Hubbold 64’)
Unused subs: Bell, Schofield, Atkinson
Match Officials
Referee: Scott Henry
Attendance: 1148
