Back-to-back Northern Premier League defeats have dragged Workington back into a relegation dogfight ahead of a crucial encounter at Bamber Bridge on Tuesday.
Whilst Reds were going down to a 1-0 defeat at Ilkeston Town, Bamber Bridge emerged narrow winners versus Basford United, a win which saw the Preston side leapfrog Reds in the Premier Division table.
Workington fell to a 14th defeat of the season in Derbyshire after Ilkeston substitute, Alex Hardwick, netted a 68th minute decider.
In a game lacking in quality, Workington had gone close to taking the lead after a bright start to a better second half.
Skipper David Symington was thwarted by a fine Matthew Yates save then, soon after, the same player saw a well struck shot from the edge of the area rattle the Ilkeston crossbar.
But Ilkeston survived those two scares and grabbed all three points thanks to Hardwick’s decider midway through the second half.
“I thought we played well,” was Mark Fell’s post-match response, adding: “For the first 20 minutes of the second half, there was only one team in it after a fairly even first half.
“But one moment proved costly when we didn’t clear our lines properly and allowed their player to swivel and score from 12 yards.
“We all had our say in the dressing room afterwards, and the players are disappointed about the result and do care about the situation we are in. They will be ready to go again on Tuesday at Bamber Bridge which is now a very important game for both clubs.”
Fell was again short on numbers at Ilkeston with Ceiran Casson, Jake Allan, Charlie Barnes, David Norris and Danny Eccles all unavailable.
Josh Galloway hasn’t recovered from his injury but was named on the bench along with four inexperienced teenagers.
“We will have Casson back for Tuesday and I hope to bring in a loan player for the remainder of the season, subject to the paperwork being completed,” said the clearly frustrated Reds’ boss.
Bamber Bridge have already beaten Reds twice this season, winning at Borough Park in both the League and FA Trophy.
Both clubs are on 33 points, one ahead of Whitby Town who joined Basford, Mickleover and Blyth Spartans in the bottom four.
