Workington Reds inched further away from the relegation zone with an impressive performance in North Yorkshire, overtaking Whitby Town in the NPL Premier Division table in the process.
A 3-1 win for Mark Fell’s side completed a league double against The Seasiders leaving the Workington manager delighted.
Fell said: “I am very pleased how we played with the work rate and intensity key to another good performance. And I believe that is the best Dav Symington display for Workington during my time at the club and he led from the front today.
“The first goal was a belter and his delivery for Kai Nugent’s goal was right out of the top drawer but there were plenty of good performances throughout the team and I think we controlled the game fairly well. The only blemish was the late goal we conceded.”
Skipper Symington had scored his 100th goal for Workington against Whitby earlier in the season but hadn’t found the target since.
A lengthy spell on the sidelines, through injury, had frustrated the Reds’ talisman but he marked his birthday with his most effective display since his return to the side.
He opened the scoring with a sweet left footed volley after seven minutes and it was from his sublime cross early in the second half that Kai Nugent headed Reds further ahead. Steven Rigg’s deflected shot after 75 minutes giving the Cumbrians an unassailable three-goal cushion.
Former Reds player Matthew Tymon, who scored quite a few goals in his two spells at Borough Park, was introduced as a second half substitute for the hosts and he made an impact. The 34-year-old went close on two occasions before grabbing their consolation goal five minutes from time.
It might have been different had a controversial incident in the 31st minute not gone in Reds’ favour.
Alex Mitchell raced from his goal and fouled Town’s Layton Roberts towards the touchline. There was a suggestion that he raised an elbow towards Roberts but the referee thought a yellow card was sufficient punishment.
From the subsequent free kick, Mitchell pushed away Nathan Thomas’ attempt on goal.
Charlie Barnes limped out of the action at half time after being on the receiving end of two crunching collisions.
The first was an accidental coming together with Whitby skipper, Jassem Sukar, whilst the second earned Louis Stephenson a yellow card for a dangerous challenge.
Barnes was replaced by Joe Abrahart who was making his league debut for Reds.
Workington return to Borough Park on Saturday with Stockton Town the visitors.
