Workington went back to the top of the NPL West with a fine 4-2 win at 1874 Northwich as leaders Marine faltered again.
For while the Reds were recording a fine victory on their travels, Marine were slipping to another defeat, 2-0 to third-in-the-table Warrington Rylands.
This was a measured performance by the Reds, albeit with a few hiccups when they trailed, levelled and led before conceding an equaliser.
However, with some outstanding football – not for the first time in the game – they scored to lead again and round-off a breathless first-half when you hardly dared take your eyes off the action.
The second-half was certainly not as eye-catching but it was a controlled display from the west Cumbrians as they dictated proceedings and comfortably held their hosts at arms’ length.
The goal that settled it, though, giving Reds that extra cushion didn’t come until the 84th minute and they easily saw through the closing stages.
Northwich actually thought they had scored first on 13 minutes but McKenzie O’Neill’s close range finish was ruled out for offside.
Two minutes later, however, they had the lead. Fullback Mike Koral fired a low ball into the box, which took a deflection and Jim Atkinson could only scoop it into the path of Jamie Reed who had a simple task in netting.
Workington hit back on 18 minutes with a fine goal. Brad Hubbold was the instigator with a great run from deep, evading three challenges before playing a pass into the box for Ruben Jerome. A clever back heel found Brad Carroll in space and he made no mistake from eight yards.
Reds took the lead seven minutes later. Conor Gaul, who had been causing a few problems down the right, fired in a low shot which keeper Tony Aghayere couldn’t hold and Jerome was there to drill home.
A free-flowing game turned again on 29 minutes after Atkinson made a superb save to turn round the post a fierce drive from Reed. But from the corner a near post flick-on found Reed who headed in the equaliser.
The goal-scoring action wasn’t over for on 35 minutes Reds regained the lead with another quality goal. Jerome and Carroll worked a lovely move down inter-changing passes before the centre-forward slotted home his second goal.
Things quietened down after the break with Reds very much in control, and although they didn’t score until late, had opportunities to put the game out of sight.
Twice Jerome, who had been outstanding, should have had his hat-trick. One he finished with a tame shot at the keeper and on the other occasion lifted the ball over the bar.
Gaul also went close with a well-struck effort turned onto the bar by Aghayere but they got their reward six minutes from the end.
Conor Tinnion’s deep cross was driven home near the far post by Sam Smith and Reds were home and hosed.
