Workington’s search for their first point of the season goes on after another late goal settled their latest home game.
Warrington Rylands struck in the 88th minute to grab the only goal of the game at Borough Park and leave Reds still pointless at the foot of the table.
It was a cruel ending to a battling performance from the West Cumbrians who deserved a draw.
They had gone closest to breaking the first-half deadlock and although Rylands upped the pace in the third quarter of the game, Reds still fashioned the best chance to win it before conceding the late decider.
In some ways it was a rerun of the opening game of the season against Whitby.
Reds were bright and purposeful in the first half then, but were dominated in the second half and eventually fell to a last minute goal.
The difference then was that Reds did have a goal, scored in the first-half and Whitby had to score twice to deny them.
This time there was no goal to hang onto and, indeed, that effort by Luke Ellis remains the only goal they have scored in four games.
Last season’s top scorer Steven Rigg went close midway through the first half after an excellent build-up.
Keelan Leslie’s cross beyond the far post was headed back by Josh Galloway and Rigg volleyed over from eight yards.
The other close call for Rylands came when Adam Carrick decided to pass back from the centre circle. It was missed by keeper Luke Pilling who had to race back and stop the ball just as it was about to cross the goal-line.
By comparison it was all routine stuff for Alex Mitchell to deal with, and just one shot which he dealt with easily.
The visitors were decidedly more lively after the resumption and just as in the Whitby game, most of the action was in the Reds half – although still nothing to alarm Mitchell.
In the closing quarter Reds saw more of the ball and there was a good chance to open the scoring.
Dav Symington’s ball into the box saw the first effort from Rigg blocked but the rebound fell to Hayden Atkinson who drove just over the top.
Atkinson, just 17, and from Cleator Moor on loan from Carlisle Utd, had a fine home debut looking assured, confident and strong at the heart of the defence.
The goal that won it came on 88 minutes when a long ball forward had Charlie Barnes running back to his own goal and he didn’t get enough on his header.
The ball was quickly moved on and Eric Yahaya finished with a low shot into the far bottom corner.
With manager Darren Edmondson starting two weeks leave of absence. Brian Dawson took charge.
He said: “It’s another cruel one to take, losing to another late goal.
“But there was plenty to feel positive about, particularly in the first half and the effort and commitment put in by all the players was first class.”
