Workington’s poor start to the Northern Premier League season continued at Lancaster where they fell to a fifth defeat in six outings.
And with a glaring lack of confidence, it is difficult to see where that elusive first win is coming from.
Reds conceded goals in the ninth and 90th minutes but, in between, rarely threatened home goalkeeper Brad Kelly.
There was one goalmouth scramble when the Cumbrians thought they had equalised but the assistant referee, slightly behind play, judged that the ball hadn’t crossed the line, a fortunate reprieve for City.
Other than the ‘goal’ that wasn’t, David Symington and Steven Rigg went tantalisingly close to scoring in the first half but Reds rarely threatened after the interval.
The second half was continuously disrupted by stoppages for injuries, a drinks break, regular substitutions and general time wasting which suited the hosts and frustrated the life out of the below par visitors.
Alex Mitchell sustained a deep cut to his face after bravely saving at the feet of Jim Craig which accounted for most of the 10 minutes of added time.
Lancaster, now unbeaten in four, opened the scoring through Lewis Mansell who converted from close range via Craig’s assist from the right.
They doubled their advantage when substitute, Dom Lawson, headed home at the far post following a rare second half sortie into Reds’ territory.
Assistant manager, Brian Dawson said: “Something has to change and quickly.
“I always felt we were in the game, albeit we were huffing and puffing, but we are missing that little bit of creativity and spark that changes games.”
Reds take a break from league action at the weekend when they face Stalybridge Celtic in the FA Cup at Borough Park.
From the division below, Celtic will provide another stern test for out of sorts Reds and will include a former Borough Park favourite, Reuben Jerome, in their line-up.
