Runcorn Linnets added to Workington’s recent woes with a deserved 4-2 victory at Borough Park to topple the League leaders.
Reds have dropped to second in the table; the pack has closed right up and they haven’t won in their last three League games – two defeats and a draw.
The Linnets’ travelling fans had an added bonus as they were treated to a free drink by the management duo – which had been promised beforehand, win or lose.
It would taste even sweeter for the supporters who had seen their favourites outplay the home side in the second-half, grabbing the points with two late goals from substitutes.
Assistant manager Stephen Rudd said: “It’s disappointing to have lost like that because the goals we gave away were very poor. To be fair they deserved to win, even though it isn’t nice to say that, and it didn’t help that we failed to create any good opportunities.
“We don’t have a game next week so it gives us a fortnight to get focused again and get some more players up to full fitness.”
It’s a big game, too, in a fortnight as they travel to Mossley who have now taken over for them at the top of the table.
An entertaining first-half had started in frantic fashion with two goals in the first five minutes.
Workington couldn’t clear a free-kick on three minutes and Ryan Brooke poked home from close range but the hosts hit back immediately when Dan Wordsworth headed in a corner from skipper Conor Tinnion.
Workington had the wind behind them in the first and dominated possession, deservedly going ahead on 22 minutes when Brad Carroll swept home a corner beyond the far post.
The home side had two strong penalties appeals turned aside and Linnets’ keeper Joe Young made a fine, diving save to keep out an effort from Tinnion.
But the visitors scored a vital equaliser on 39 minutes when they broke well and Iwan Murray played in Thomas Marsh-Hughes who finished sweetly.
It was Runcorn who saw more of the ball after the break but had to wait until the 79th minute for the first real chance to regain the lead. Substitiute Oladapo Olarewaju showed great feet cutting in from the rigfht and driving the ball home with his left foot.
Seven minutes later fellow substitute Rhain Hellawell scored the fourth, sent clear he was able to force home the first parry by keeper Jim Atkinson.
