Match Report

ANNAN LIFT THE RAYDALE CUP IN PENALTY SHOOT OUT

ANNAN manager Jim Chapman praised his side after they lifted the Raydale Cup with a penalty-shoot-out win.
Gavin Skelton’s Workington gave them a run for their money but failed at the final test hitting the first 2 penalties over the bar.
Chapman’s Division 2 side scored all four to win the trophy 4-2 on spotkicks with Steven Swinglehurst lifting the player of the tournament award.
A delighted Chapman said: “It’s good to pick up the trophy but as I’ve said pre-season isn’t about the results but piecing things together.
“This was a real tough test and we did a lot of good things in the first 25 minutes but we became a bit slack.”
He added: “However, I’m delighted with the application and attitude of the players and absolutely delighted with the fitness levels at this stage of the season. They’ve done well for obviously when it comes to penalties anybody can win.
“I think the quality of the penalties from the players was excellent and I think it shows they’ve got that bit of mentality and we’re getting stronger.”
Annan failed to take their first half chances and were under pressure after the turn with Jonny Murray almost putting the Reds ahead in the first minute. But in the 50th and 51st minutes Annan’s Josh Todd and David Hopkirk both had shots stopped and eight minutes later Todd’s volley from 10 yards went wide.
Midway through the Reds forced three corners in quick succession with player boss Skelton getting his head to two with one over the bar and the other just wide.
Annan got stronger in the closing stages but just couldn’t get the winner with Workington’s Dan Wordsworth seeing red for a second yellow in 87 minutes.