Workington Reds’ boss, Darren Edmondson, felt relieved after his team obtained their first win of the season at the eighth attempt.
For the second consecutive season, they scored a late winner at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium with the three valuable points lifting them off the foot of the NPL Premier Division table for the time being at least.
Edmondson said: “I am delighted for the players because they have deserved that and it will do them the world of good.
“They have been under a bit of pressure and taken some flack, much of which has been unjust, but it’s only one game and we have had five or six bad days so far.
“We have still a few games to make up before the fans will accept what we are trying to do but it’s a start.”
Reds had obtained just one point from their opening six league and fell at the first hurdle in the FA Cup but emerged worthy winners against Jamie Milligan’s side, which had been unbeaten at home.
The game ebbed and flowed in the first half with Dav Symington, twice, and Aran Fitpatrick having shots saved by Aidan Dowling at one end and Brig’s Chris Churchman and Ewan Bange going close at the other.
Skipper Symington saw a free kick saved by Dowling early in the second half then rolled a great chance inches the wrong side of the post before Workington went in front on the hour.
Dowling ventured too far off his line and was caught in no man’s land, enabling Luke Ellis to loop the ball over him and into the net.
The home side restored parity 20 minutes later when Bange broke through a, for once, hesitant defence and the game was then finely balanced at 1-1.
But Workington showed great resilience and they converted one point into three with a stoppage time winner.
Symington’s corner got beyond the front post and found Steven Swinglehurst who gleefully headed home his first goal of the season from close range.
Symington and Steven Rigg were excellent throughout for Reds but the defensive trio of Charlie Barnes, Jack Dickinson and match-winner, Swinglehurst, played their part too.
Next up for Edmondson’s side is an attractive home game against league leaders, FC United of Manchester, at Borough Park on Tuesday (7.45pm).
Here’s what Darren Edmondson had to say:
