Workington’s 4-3 defeat at Atherton Collieries on Boxing day somehow encapsulated their season in the NPL Premier Division.
Those three goals took Danny Grainger’s men to 49 for the season and down in 14th place in the table and it’s a tally only bettered by two teams.
Leaders Radcliffe have scored 59 while third-placed Worksop Town have netted 51 – and then come Workington on 49.
But it’s the goals conceded which have held back Reds challenge so far on their return to the Premier Division.
The West Cumbrians have conceded 53 goals – the second worst defensive record in the League, with only Boxing Day conquerors Atherton showing worse figures in 58.
Their win over the Reds followed a commendable 1-1 draw at second-placed Warrington Rylands on Saturday and took them off the bottom above Stafford Rangers.
Reds have now played 24 of the scheduled 42 League fixtures so hugely improving the goals against column will be the aim over the last 18 games, starting on Saturday at home to Bamber Bridge.
It should be a good contest because the visitors are two places better off than Reds but on the same points from a game less. They have scored 39 goals and conceded 36.
Reds boss Grainger will be hoping that some of the eight players who were absent at Atherton will be available in two days’ time – particularly skipper Conor Tinnion, who has such an influence on the side.
There will be some anxious looks, too, towards acting skipper and top scorer Dav Symington who wasn’t 100% fit at Atherton and didn’t make an appearance from the bench until the 57th minute.
