Workington Reds produced their best performance of their pre-season to draw 1-1 with League Two Morecambe at Borough Park.
It surpassed their effort a week ago when they held Carlisle United to a goal-less draw, and was a clear indication that Mark Fell’s side is starting to come together.
Like Reds, but probably even more so, Morecambe have had to sign players in a rush and the squad has had little time to gel and work together, and that was evident on occasions.
They didn’t look as far forward as a team as Carlisle had the previous week but they have some good games coming up against the likes of Blackburn and Huddersfield so will be tuned-up for the opening League game against Walsall.
Reds, it has to be said, have gone up more than a notch and with manager Mark Fell poised to bring two players back on loan from Carlisle; a defender in from Gateshead on loan and a striker who came on as a trialist in this one expected to be announced as signed tomorrow the squad is taking shape.
The NPL side had actually started the brighter, on the front foot and forcing the pace without being able to get in a telling blow at keeper Harry Burgoyne.
Gradually Morecambe began to find their rhythm and dominated then next 20 minutes with the lively Jordan Slew always a threat down right or left, while Adam Lewis also offered plenty of go-forward along the left.
A trialist centre forward and Paul Lewis both had opportunities from close range to open the scoring but couldn’t mange to turn them home.
Workington had a chance for Steven Rigg but keeper Burgoyne made an excellent block and Josh Galloway was not far away with a block buster.
The Reds, in fact, gave as good as they got in the closing 15 minutes of the half but it was Morecambe who started the second half in a positive mood and Workington needed some solid defending, particularly from Steven Swinglehurst who was imperious in the air.
The breakthrough came on 79 minutes when an initial free kick was only partially cleared to Gallowy 25 yards out and he hit a screamer beyond sub keeper Stuart Moore into the net.
Morecambe responded well and three minutes later were level when Jamie Stott climbed highest to a corner and headed home the equaliser.
It was a more than a satisfactory work-out by the Cumbrians who are definitely adapting better to the change in style they have been asked to make.
After the game, Cumbria Crack’s John Walsh spoke to Reds manager Mark Fell and former manager Danny Grainger who is now assistant manager at Morecambe.
