Workington were unable to end their losing sequence, but put up a gritty performance at promotion-chasing Macclesfield.
It finished 2-0 to the big-spending hosts but the second goal didn’t come until the second minute of time added on when Reds were still chasing the game.
This was Reds seventh defeat in a row but if they had played like this in some of the previous games they would not have had such a disappointing end to the season.
Macclesfield, second in the table, had taken the lead on 17 minutes when Alex Curran had a shooting opportunity from ten yards and he found the bottom corner.
After that, although the hosts saw a lot of the ball, it was Reds who had the ball in the net after good work by Steven Rigg and Sam Hetherington released Dav Symington.
Reds top scorer drilled his shot into the net only to see the flag raised for off-side although it must have been a very close call.
It was much of the same in the second-half with Reds going closest when Darren Little had an effort cleared off the line.
Sam Christian, a teenager for the Development side celebrated his 18th birthday by getting a taste of senior football 10 minutes from time.
It was a Macclesfield substitute Dan Sweeney who scored the second goal in the third minute of time added on, sweeping home a low cross.
Manager Danny Grainger said: “I am disappointed for the lads after the effort they put in. They gave everything and on another day might have got something out of it.
“We went with a game plan to try and frustrate them as long as possible and it nearly worked.”
Now Reds thoughts turn to Tuesday night’s Fred Conway County Cup final at Borough Park when they face the ‘old enemy’ Carlisle United.
Both Grainger, an ex-United captain and Blues’ boss Paul Simpson will be keen to end their seasons on a high by lifting the trophy.
But Grainger has already had to rule-out Bobby Carroll, Kitt Nelson and Brad Hubbold, who have all been laid low by injury. He is also waiting on Aidy Roxburgh who took a knock against Macclesfield.
The Reds manager has also had a number of Carlisle youngsters on loan but who are signed for United in the competition and could be lining up against them.
As for the NPL Premier Division it’s the final game on Saturday at home to Guiseley who are just falling short in their efforts to make the play-offs.
“We are aiming to finish-off the season on a high by retaining the County Cup and beating Guiseley,” said Grainger who stands down on Saturday with Mark Fell taking the reins.
