Workington ended 2024 as they had started it, recording a 2-2 draw on home soil.
But this was another missed opportunity and Reds’ boss Mark Fell admitted it was two points dropped during his post-match interview.
“We feel as though we have dropped a couple of points despite playing some lovely one-touch football.
“That bit of quality was lacking in the final third but the commitment and work rate was excellent and we will be ready to go again at Hebburn next week,” he said afterwards.
Having gone behind twice, and still trailing deep into time added on, Reds have to be thankful for a point which came via a late penalty, awarded for a foul on Jamie Allen.
Despite having a spot-kick saved at Rylands recently, Steven Rigg kept his composure and drove the ball firmly past Town’s Dan Langley to salvage a draw from the jaws of defeat.
Workington had dominated the game for much of the first half and it was against the run of play when they found themselves a goal down at the interval.
They got back on terms midway through the second half, thanks to a stunning Efe Ambrose goal, but promptly handed the initiative back to Morpeth and went behind again.
Santa Rigg’s value to the side was highlighted once more with goals either side of Christmas Day taking his tally for the season to 17.
Yet Reds need to be winning contests they dominate because every point will be vital in this tightest of Premier divisions.
“Two wins would see us on the fringe of the play-offs yet two defeats could leave you looking over your shoulder,” added Fell.
Kai Nugent, in particular, looked lively in the early stages. He had one shot saved, saw a free kick drift narrowly wide and was then thwarted a second time by keeper Langley.
Ruben Grewal was just off target with another effort and Morpeth had hardly threatened at the other end.
But their first two efforts at goal silenced the home crowd and got them into the game. Nic Bollado’s firm shot was pushed away by Alex Mitchell then, in the 43rd minute, the Highwaymen opened the scoring.
Will Dowling scored at the second attempt, after Mitchell parried his original shot, so, from being second best, Town suddenly had something to defend and Workington were visibly shaken.
Having started the game on the front foot, Reds struggled to get going on the restart and it took a wonderful solo dribble from the outstanding Grewal to re-ignite their fire.
Mid-way through the second period, the champagne moment arrived. David Symington delivered the perfect corner and Ambrose timed his run perfectly to meet the ball and thump home a wonderful header.
His first goal for the club was celebrated with his trademark double somersault and the bumper Boxing Day crowd sensed that would be the turning point of the game. Or would it?
Morpeth dampened home spirits again and Luke James restored their narrow advantage with a goal after 72 minutes. He was allowed to twist and turn before finishing in style.
A typical Symington strike narrowly missed the target and that seemed to be Workington’s last chance.
Allen was then tripped from behind in a crowded penalty area and the referee saw enough to award the hosts a last-gasp spot-kick.
Skipper Rigg had to wait momentarily whilst order was restored before blasting past Langley for the late, late equaliser.
Morpeth boss Craig Lynch tempered his side’s disappointment after coming so close to victory saying, “All things considered, it’s a brilliant point for us.”
Workington had gone into the game without ever-present Josh Galloway who had sustained an injury at Lancaster. He will have a scan next week to ascertain the damage.
