Workington Reds are making a habit of leaving it late to win their games.
After an 84th winner against Trafford on Saturday they went even longer before clinching the win at Ramsbottom on Tuesday.
The five minutes of added time had just been signalled when Kyle Harrison swooped to drill in the winner against a spirited Ramsbottom side.
Once again it was not a breath-taking performance by the Cumbrians, more a battling display on an uneven pitch which demonstrated their ability to find a way.
Tom Stewart, the Rammy keeper did not have a shot to save until the 75th minute when he did well to get down and keep out an effort from Steve Rigg.
To be fair neither did Jim Atkinson, although the hosts had gone closer to opening the scoring before Harrison’s late strike sealed it for the Reds.
Officially timed at 91 minutes the goal came after a strong run from substitute Reuben Jerome, cutting in from the left. The ball went to the right before Rigg worked it back into the danger area and it was Harrison who was there to drive in a shot from six yards.
Reds, despite plenty of hard work around the pitch, could not find the quality needed to fashion chances – until that stoppage time opportunity.
The win was made even better with the news that rivals Marine had lost 2-0 at home to Clitheroe and Reds were up to second – two points behind Warrington Rylands with two games in hand.
Those two games will be made up on Tuesday, April 5 at Bootle and on Saturday, April 16 at Marine when Rylands don’t have a game. Reds’ destiny remains in their own hands.
By the time they comes off the pitch at Marine they should know how close they are to lifting the title.
They will only have two games left to play both against the sides already relegated, Kendal, home, and Market Drayton, away.
On Saturday they visit Prescot Cables who are currently third bottom.
