Workington Reds dropped more points as they were held 1-1 at struggling Newcastle Town.
In their previous NPL West away game they had been beaten by Warrington Rylands and although still top have seen the pack close in with matches in hand.
Manager Chris Willcock expressed his disappointment afterwards.
“We never played with enough intensity or produced the football we are capable of.
“I’m afraid we huffed and puffed too much and I suppose a draw was probably a fair result.
“I wasnt happy that the goal we conceded was from a penalty because that’s about six we have conceded in my time as manager.”
The penalty that gave Newcastle the lead came on 33 minutes following a foul by Conor Gaul, helping out in defence. Jack van der Laan smashed home the face kick.
As it happened Reds were only behind for eight minutes. Good build-up down the right saw Matty Clarke exchange passes with Gaul before cutting in and firing a rocket between the keeper and the post.
Reds could have gone in at the break with the lead but when Dan Wordsworth got to a Rowan Roache free kick he headed against the bar.
Newcastle had a couple of chances, both for Declan Arber but on both occasions he headed straight at Jim Atkinson.
The home side’s best efforts of the second half came early and late.Substitute Ryan Baxter headed just over from a corner and right at the death another replacement Challis Johnson shot high over the bar from a good position.
In between Reds had half chances. Keeper Owen Mooney used his legs to block an effort from Steven Rigg while Brad Carroll seemed to lose his geography when getting on the end of a Roache cross and shot tamely wide.
Two dipping crosses from Roache had to be turned over by Mooney and there was also a late opportunity for Ceiran Casson but he drilled a low shot just wide.
Reds now have a week to put in two good training sessions before hosting Runcorn Linnets on Saturday.
