Workington Reds preserved their Step 3 status on the penultimate day of the season.
Although they lost narrowly at Craik Park, Matlock Town also failed to win and the Derbyshire club, who now face a points deduction sanction for fielding an ineligible player, will be relegated from the NPL’s Premier Division alongside Basford United, Mickleover and Blyth Spartans.
There wasn’t any hint of celebrating afterwards, more a feeling of relief among players and officials.
Reds have been poor on the road this season and only three of those demoted have attained fewer points than the 14 Workington have obtained.
And that poor record extended to their final away game where they fell to Sam Hodgson’s 56th minute decider.
The Town striker was allowed too much time and space to control, turn and send the ball into the bottom corner of Alex Mitchell’s net.
It was a win which confirmed Morpeth’s highest ever finish in the pyramid but, from a Workington perspective, a second successive season of flirting with relegation.
It was a typical end of season game – plenty of effort but very little quality – and brought this reaction from joint interim boss, Billy Redden.
He said: “The result was disappointing but, in spells, we did okay although there were some tired bodies out there. Quite a few were carrying knocks and two games in 48 hours is always going to be tough.
“There certainly wasn’t any lack of effort on our part and the mindset beforehand was that we needed the points irrespective of the Matlock situation.”
David Symington and Connor Pani came closest to scoring for Reds but both were thwarted by home keeper, Dan Langley.
Town’s best efforts came from Danny Burrow, Leon Gibson-Booth, former Carlisle United prospect, Nic Ballado, and Will Dowling which Mitchell dealt with confidently.
Reds also felt aggrieved by two controversial incidents in the second half.
Steven Swinglehurst picked up a harsh yellow card in the 65th minute for dissent and then received a second booking (justified) which resulted in his dismissal soon after, following a rash challenge on match winner, Hodgson.
Tom Stephenson was also booked for simulation has he attempted to go past Langley to net a potential equaliser. The referee felt he made too much of the goalkeeper’s challenge and booked the Reds’ substitute and rejected appeals for a penalty.
Workington conclude their season on Saturday with a visit from Ashton United who secured a fifth placed finish and so qualified for the play-offs.
