Workington produced their best performance of the season to beat high-flying Worksop Town 2-1 at Borough Park.
It had looked like a long afternoon for the Reds as Worksop dominated the first-half with most possession, shots and corners.
But it was Workington who led at the break through Steven Rigg’s 10th goal of the season.
Then when the classy visitors levelled on 57 minutes it looked as though they would go on and continue their fine away record.
Not so! The grit and determination that Reds had needed in the first-half to stay in the contest, was now accompanied by a confidence to take on Worksop and give them something to think of.
By the end of the 90 minutes and the five added on Workington were the better side, looking dangerous when they got the ball forward and deserving their 82nd winner.
It might have been an own goal that secured all three points but it was a deserved success – a classic example of how a team can be under pressure but stay in the game through determination, organisation and resilience.
With bodies put on the line to make defensive blocks, and the centre-back pairing of Steven Swinglehurst and Efe Ambrose looking more comfortable than they have previously, Reds had a great example being set at the back.
It meant that for although their good football Worksop in the first half had nothing to show for it. Jordan Burrow hit the bar with a header and Daniel Bramall, their most dangerous player was inches away after cutting in and fizzing in a low shot.
Workington’s spirited response to the slick work of their opponents was rewarded on 37 minutes by the opening goal.
Kai Nugent’s shot for the top corner was taken by keeper Tommy Taylor but he couldn’t hold on and top scorer Steven Rigg was there to hammer home his tenth goal of the season.
Worksop came out meaning business and looked to be on course for the win when they levelled on 57 minutes when Burrow turned in a low cross.
But it was Workington who finished the better side and Kai Nugent had a great shot from a tight angle turned over the bar by Taylor. Tom Stephenson also had a good opportunity but blazed wide.
However on 82 minutes a low corner into a crowded six yard box was turned into his own goal by Regan Hutchinson to give Reds the lead for the second time.
The only disappointing feature for Reds was that midway through the added five minutes Nugen was sent off by referee Scott Henry for a second yellow card – a foul followed by kicking the ball away.
Reds have another free week to prepare for the trip to Gainsborough on Saturday, and will be hoping that several of their seven absentees might be ready to bolster a cock-a-hoop squad.
You can hear what assistant manager Graham Lancashire thought of the win below:
