Workington Reds produced a fighting comeback at Matlock to earn a 2-2 draw.
They had gone 2-0 down on 57 minutes when Jonathan Margetts double the home lead.
But a powerful last half an hour from Danny Grainger’s men got them a deserved point.
Grainger said: “I think the first half we were sluggish and I think it was a sign of the effort the lads had put in on Tuesday night at Rylands.
“But after they scored their second we seemed to be able to get a foot on the ball and dictate play more.
“In truth it was a bit of a basketball match and I suppose it could have finished 6-5 – to either team – so overall I think a draw was a fair result although they will be disappointed to concede a two goal lead.”
Actually Workington had the first chance of the game on six minutes when Steven Rigg was tripped in the box but Conor Tinnion’s penalty was saved by Saul Deeney.
The Matlock opener had come on 17 minutes through Josh Barnes and the home side certainly deserved their lead at half-time.
The Workington recovery started on 72 minutes when Dav Symington hit a trademark free kick sweet and true to reduce the arrears.
Eight minutes later they were level after a fine move ended with Greg Macaragher scoring and in a frantic finish both sides had chances. Matlock came the closest but John Johnston hit the bar in the last minute of the five added on.
Workington introduced new signing Gabriel Rios Newton, a 6ft 4in Argentinian centre-half who has been training with the first team for a few weeks.
He played for 62 minutes and didn’t look out of place, producing a satisfying debut.
It meant the Reds fielded a back four all under the age of 20 and under the circumstances, against high-scoring opposition, performed creditably.
