Last updated at 12:41, Wednesday, 08 August 2012

Workington Reds made a hat-trick of signings after thumping Cumbrian minnows Penrith 4-0.

Niall Cowperthwaite

Niall Cowperthwaite, Chris Wraighte and Jordan Connerton all put pen to paper on one-year deals.

Connerton was last year’s hero, scoring the goal which guaranteed Workington’s status in the Blue Square Bet North.

The 22-year-old headed home as Reds beat Worcester, to save Borough Park blushes.

Connerton has held talks with boss Darren Edmondson for weeks, but looked set to snub a move to west Cumbria after discussing terms with home-town club Lancaster.

Lancaster announced the striker was no longer interested in a move to the Giant Axe, as Workington had made and offer he could not turn down.

Connerton joins Jonny Wright, Gareth Arnison, Stefan Scott and Ryan Hall as Edmondson’s strikers.

Cowperthwaite and Wraighte have impressed during pre-season.

Defender Cowperthwaite, the son of Barrow legend Colin, almost turned down a switch to the Dolly Blues following his release from League Two side Morecambe.

Wraighte is a product of the Morecambe academy which produced Phil McLuckie and Gareth Arnison.

Edmondson said he was delighted to finally have the trio signed up to start the season.

Stalybridge will be their first major test when the league kicks off next weekend, and Edmondson added: “We know all about Jordan. He’s been here, enjoyed it, and scored goals.

“He’s a player that will fit straight into the squad.

“It’s great to finally have him on board, because he offers something different in attack.

“Niall and Chris deserve their contracts because of the way they have handled themselves in pre-season.

“They add depth to the squad, and will be pushing for starting positions when the season gets under way.”

First published at 11:28, Wednesday, 08 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk