REPORT | Dons 46 Workington Town 6

The Dons put in their best performance of the season to date as they swept aside promotion rivals Workington Town 46-6 at the Eco-Power Stadium.

The victory saw the Dons stretch their perfect record to six matches in Betfred League One ahead of next weekend's crucial clash with fellow unbeaten outfit Dewsbury Rams.

Tries from Elliot Hall, Jack Sanderson, Sam Smeaton as well as braces from Loui McConnell and Jason Tali helped Richard Horne’s side to another victory. 

Horne has been concerned about slow starts in matches but had nothing to be worried about as the Dons broke the deadlock after just four minutes. Ben Johnston made a line break through the middle and found full-back Elliot Hall on his shoulder. 

Johnston continued to shine, making a supporting run for captain Sam Smeaton who powered his way over on the eight minute mark. 

On 18 minutes, Loui McConnell went over for his first try of the afternoon after a smart run by Connor Robinson down the near side. Robinson converted his third of the game to make it 18-0. 

Workington were let in to score just four minutes later after a loose pass found Ciaran Walker who ran 50 metres to score before converting the extra two points in what would be the visitors only score of the match. 

Continuing his try scoring, Jack Sanderson breezed his way past the Cumbrians defence and over in the corner to make it 22-6. 

Momentum continued to swing in the Dons' favour as they put on sustained pressure with Sanderson coming close to scoring his second of the game but the visitors' defence was strong, forcing the winger into touch. 

As the half time hooter sounded it was Horne’s side who held the advantage with a 22-6 lead. 

A sense of urgency was the Dons strongest factor as it took them just one minute of the second half to extend their lead. Jason Tali - playing his first full 80 minutes of the season - barged over the line to make it 26-6 with Robinson converting. 

Tali found the try line a second time in the 49th minute as he went under the posts. This was followed by a try on the wing from Johnston, who had pushed out to the winger spot due to Travis Corion being on the sidelines. 

With three minutes of the fixture left, the Dons rubbed salt into Workington’s wounds with McConnell going over for his second of the afternoon. 

Dons: Elliot Hall, Tom Halliday, Brad Hey, Jason Tali, Jack Sanderson, Ben Johnston, Connor Robinson, Luke Cooper, Greg Burns, Keelan Foster, Sam Smeaton, Brett Ferres, Loui McConnell. Interchanges: Alex Holdstock, Matt James, Brad Knowles, Joshua Veacock. 18th Man: Misi Taulapapa. 

Workington: Jordan Burns, Ethan Bickerdike, Jason Mossop, Earl Hurst, Sean Sabutey, Jack Mallison, Ciaran Walker, Jordan Thomson, Matthew Henson, Grant Reid, Liam McNocholas, Jack Stephenson, Steven Scholey. Interchanges: Hanley Dawson, JJ Key, Fergus Simpson, Connor Terrill. 18th man: Luke Charlton.