Workington collected a deserved 3-1 win at FC United of Manchester to move up to 11th in the NPL Premier Division.
Any lingering fears that the Reds might be dragged into a relegation battle should be dispelled now as they sit 11th in the table, 17 points clear of the drop zone.
Manager Danny Grainger, who wants to leave on a high when he says his goodbyes to the club at the end of the season, was delighted at the result.
“It wasn’t one of our best performances so far, and I know we can play better than that, but I was pleased with the result because we were clinical when we got opportunities.
“I have been critical in previous week about our finishing but there was nothing wrong today with the way we took our chances.
“Dav could have had a hat-trick; I have been encouraging Sam to have more attempts on goal so was pleased he scored and it was good to see Lewis back on the score-sheet after so long out.
“The only downside was that we had Bobby Carroll sent-off six minutes from the end. I thought he slipped when he collided with their player but when the same thing happened with one of their players nothing was given and all we want is consistency from referees,” said the Reds manager.
FC United had taken the lead after only six minutes when Ganton Gabidai took advantage of a loose back pass to go round Jim Atkinson and slot home.
But the Reds hit back immediately when Dav Symington cut in from the left and a stinging shot looped over the keeper into the back of the net.
Two minutes before half-time Reds took the lead when the lively Sam Hetherington finished well from the edge of the area.
Symington could have completed a hat-trick in the second-half but was denied and it was substitute Lewis Reilly who scored the important third on 73 minutes after a mistake by the home keeper.
Carroll was sent off in the 84th minute and the ten men had to dig in and defend grimly to get over the line and collect three excellent points.
Reds are back in action on Saturday when they host Hyde United who are competing strongly for a play off place and have already beaten Reds twice – in the FA Trophy at Borough Park and also in their home League fixture.
