Cambridge United 2 Workington AFC 0

With only one CRC match since the beginning of January, we fielded a strong team for the visit of the Cumbrians.

Robbie Willmott, desperately in need of a game, was also eligible to play as this team comes under the umbrella of Cambridge United not CRC. Don't ask me to explain the logic of that one but the current anomaly of players like Robbie and Josh Coulson, who sign contracts with Cambridge United, then not being able to play for us in the Ridgeons League is something we are currently tackling with the relevant authorities.

After a nervy start in the opening few minutes, we dominated the first half and played some good incisive football. Sam Cutler and Calvin Dinsley were pulling the strings from the middle of the pitch and the latter had three opportunities to open the scoring, having arrived late in the box unmarked, but his finishing lacked the quality of his runs and he failed to employ the visiting keeper. The catalogue of misses continued as the half progressed. Piers Wixon shot tamely having done the hard work of rounding the keeper to see his effort cleared off the line, Brad Hunter headed over, Robbie Willmott clipped the post with a trademark free kick and Jordan Patrick hit the goalkeeper's feet when 1 v 1 in the penalty box.

The goal was a great relief and the result of quick thinking by Calvin Dinsley, whose early free kick found Jordan Patrick, his mesmeric wing play created the space for a pull back and Sam Cutler executed the finish with great composure. Half time duly arrived without further addition to the scoring so we held just a slender lead in a game we had bossed and should have already wrapped up.

The second half saw us start in much the same fashion with Brad Hunter caught in two minds when 1 v 1 with their keeper and Piers Wixon shooting just wide after further good approach play.

We did manage to double our lead though on the hour mark when Piers Wixon crossed well from the bye line and Jordan 'JP' Patrick applied the finish with a left footed half volley.This virtually killed any prospect of a comeback but frustratingly, instead of seeing out the final third of the game with confidence and assured passing, we surrendered possession too readily and through general sloppiness, gave our visitors a foothold in proceedings.

Whilst the late rally never really materialised, we did allow one or two chances to be created and Richard Mace, deputising for the injured duo of Phil Smith and Sam Beagle between the sticks, had to produce a couple of smart saves.

We also played the last ten minutes a man short, by choice rather than necessity, but to make an important point.  Although the referee did not see or therefore punish the incident, Calvin Dinsley kicked out at an opponent away from the ball. This lack of discipline cannot be tolerated but an act of such frustration at two nil up with the tie in our grasp was completely brainless. Unfortunately, we had already made our three substitutions, so by voluntarily punishing the crime and taking Calvin off the pitch, we played the final moments with ten men.

Whatever the game, development remains more important than the result and on this occasion, whilst making the point far more eloquently to everyone than any bollocking could provide, the result did not suffer. The fact that it was put in jeopardy by his actions was important for all the players to understand though, because on another day the referee would have dealt with the incident and Calvin would now be facing a ban for violent conduct.

Talent without discipline is no use to anyone.

Team: Mace, McAuley, Kirby, Carr, Costello, Dinsley, Willmott, Cutler, Wixon (Calver 65), Hunter (Marriott 80), Patrick (Bussens 60)

Jez George