Workington Reds move on in their defence of the Cumberland Cup but they were given a stern test by a strong Workington Athletic side.

Only one goal, from the boot of Scott Allison separated the two sides at the final whistle and Reds knew they had been in a tough game.

Athletic dominated for long periods of the quarter-final, looked dangerous on the attack and were unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.

But that little but of experience as Jordan Holt and Allison combined was enough to send Reds into the semi-finals.

It was a fast start to the game from both sides with Reds sporting another youthful side as they played their third match in six days.

There was still a smattering of experience with Gari Rowntree and Dan Wordsworth in defence and Dave Symington and Scott Allison up front.

And, as last year in this competition, a tight schedule forced joint manager Lee Andrews to name himself on the bench.

Athletic were forced into a late reshuffle when prolific scorer Matthew Perry was not 100 per cent and he had to drop to the bench.

Reds had the first shot of note when young Ben MacDonald shot from outside the area, the ball just shooting over the top of the bar.

Then Ashley Kelly bore down on goal for Athletic, only a determined effort from Rowntree blocking his chance.

Sheldon Mossop, starting the game after appearing on the bench for Reds a couple of times recently, got into the box well but he was just closed down by the defence as he took his shot from an angle and it went the wrong side of the near post.

But Athletic were determined to make their mark on the game and it took a block on the line to stop Gareth Brunton from opening the scoring.

MacDonald had another powerful shot for Reds and this time it was on target but Athletic keeper James Bryden reacted quickly to palm it out.

Scott Allison tried his luck ducking and weaving in the box but Athletic eventually cleared the danger and got the ball away to Tommy Whitehead who broke downfield.

He looked to go one-on-one with keeper Tom Fowler but the Reds shot-stopper gathered at a second attempt.

The best chance came inside the 26th minute and it came for Athletic as Marc Messenger hit the post and Reds were the forced to defend four corners in succession.

And Athletic danger man Kelly was nearly in but his little flick again went agonisingly inches past the target.

Messenger was desperately unlucky to be denied a second time when he got onto the end of another good cross from Kelly only to see it clip the crossbar.

Reds fought their way out of defence with Rowntree and he played in Mossop in the area but his shot lacked power and the keeper dealt with it easily.

Into the last minute of the half and Reds had a good chance to break the deadlock when Dave Symington stood over a free kick around 25-yards out.

He struck it with power but it just shaved the wrong side of the post and the two sides went in at the break all level.

Athletic opened the second half in the same vein and Fowler had to get down to stop another fine effort from Kelly on the break.

But it was Reds who took the lead in the 49th minute, Jordan Holt was on off the bench at the break and immediately into the action.

He put in the hard work in the box and then played the ball into the path of Scott Allison who slotted the ball past James Bryden.

Greg Armstrong saw his free kick just fly over the crossbar minutes later as Athletic looked to get back in the reckoning.

Unfortunately for Reds Holt did not last long, coming off after just 10 minutes on the field and having to be replaced by Sam Smith.

Both teams were giving it their all but it was the 75th minute before there was another clear cut chance.

A scramble in the box saw the ball fly out to the edge where Greg Quayle was waiting and he took aim and fired but again it sailed just over the crossbar.

This was followed by a superb run from Brunton who beat several defenders on his way into the area but his final shot was captured by Fowler.

With eight minutes remaining Perry joined the fray to try and give Athletic an edge as they looked to try and force the game into extra time.

Athletic were handed a free kick with about three minutes remaining and Kelly stood over it. He took his shot but it bounced off the wall for a corner which went out of play.

At the final whistle, Reds took the game but Athletic could take plenty out of this encounter.

Athletic: Bryden, Benson, Gregory, Armstrong, Lumsden, Berwick, Kelly, Messenger, Whitehead, Quayle, Brunton (Perry 82). Subs (not used): Kilgour, Maxwell, Davies, Davison.

Reds: Fowler, Harker, Rowntree, Wordsworth, Hetherington, Mellen, Symington, MacDonald (Holt 45 (Smith 55)), Allison, Mossop, Holliday. Subs (not used): Andrews, Tinnion.

Goals: Allison 48.

Referee: M Studholme.

Half time: 0-0.

Crowd: 135.