Workington produced a timely performance to end a run of three consecutive defeats and beat Whitby Town 3-1 at Borough Park.
The only disappointment was that Reds didn’t collect heir first clean-sheet at home since January – and that was against Whitby, finishing goalless.
It was a thoroughly deserved victory for Mark Fell’s side who responded well to reaction over their poor performance in midweek against Bamber Bridge.
There was more energy, control and belief about this performance compared to the last and was appreciated by the 602 crowd.
Whitby had arrived at Borough Park almost two-and-a-half hours before kick-off and the amount of time they spent waiting for the start seemed to be replicated in their performance as the home side dominated for long periods.
The visitors had scored six in mid-week at Hebburn but rarely looked capable of repeating that, limited really to a good chance in each half.
Reds took the lead on 11 minutes when Steven Rigg lifted the ball over the top for David Norris and the 43-year-old coaxed out of retirement, finished calmly past Shane Bland.
Whitby’s one opportunity in the first-half came when some great feet by Stephen Walker deep inside the area put him in space but he pulled his shot just wide.
Workington’s second goal came on 68 minutes when the hard-working Rigg, put clear down the right, cut in and cleverly beat Bland from an acute angle.
It was a fine goal and a just reward for the centre-forward who had missed Tuesday’s horror show with an ankle injury but who led the line superbly.
The third came on 88 minutes when skipper Dav Symington scored with a typical strong shot from the edge of the area into the bottom corner with Bland flat-footed.
Whitby had their second chance soon after but substitute Alex Hutchinson fired over from eight yards when it looked easier to score.
But they did score a consolation deep into time added on and it was another substitute Nathan Thomas who cut in from the right and from the angle of the area whipped a great shot into the far top corner.
Reds now have a break from League football as scheduled opponents Stockton are engaged in the FA Cup and instead they will travel to Mirehouse in the first round of the County Cup.
To hear what Mark Fell thought of the game you can listen below:
