Workington went out of the FA Trophy, beaten 2-0 in their delayed tie at Borough Park against FC United of Manchester.
A fine effort against the then league leaders last month had raised hopes that they could make progress in the competition.
The visitors, after that 0-0 draw in west Cumbria had subsequently played three games, losing two and drawing one and had failed to score in any.
But Reds had to go into action with key forward Steven Rigg an absentee and skipper Dav Symington on the bench.
Kai Nugent was still out injured and Carlisle United had decided that both Hayden Atkinson and Dan Hopper would not be allowed to play.
Consequently, with a reshaped side, Reds were on the back foot for much of the game as the visitors enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and territory.
Where Reds did earn full marks was in the way they defended grittily, with some outstanding blocks and important tackles.
Alex Mitchell had to make two fine saves, both to deny Charlie Munro.
The first a shot from 12 yards which the keeper, and captaion for the night, did well to get down top and turn behind for a corner.
The second was from a 30-yard free kick which saw him leap across to turn away.
The game, in many ways, was settled in a crazy three minute spell shortly before half-time.
On 37 minutes the visitors were awarded a penalty when Jake Allan tripped Jay Fitzmartin as he cut in for goal.
It was Fitzmartin who took the spot kick successfully, sending Mitchell the wrong way.
Three minutes later Charlie Barnes committed a foul midway inside his own half. In his frustration he lashed out at the ball and unfortunately it hit the stricken FC United player in the face as he was still on the ground.
Referee John Mulligan deemed it had been a deliberate action and showed the defender a straight red card.
So 1-0 down and now operating with just 10 men it was going to be a tough ask top salvage the tie.
That task got even harder on 54 minutes when the FC United lead was doubled.
Reds were exposed down the left and when the ball was crossed low into the box full-back Matthew Thomson was there to provide the finish.
The visitors had the luxury of bringing on ex-Premier League players Adam Le Fondre and Andre Wisdom as they eased their way to the win.
Le Fondre was closest to a third FC United goal with a free-kick just outside the box which was only inches off target.
Workington’s best chance of a goal came in the 90th minute and fell to substitute Symington who was on for the last 15 minutes.
A careless pass out of defence went straight to Symington 30 yards out with only keeper Daniel Atherton in front of him.
Atherton was almost on the edge of the area so Symington went for the chip and got too much on it to send high over the bar.
Reds have no game this Saturday with Gainsborough still involved in the FA Cup.
That has now been re-arranged for Tuesday, October 21 at Borough Park.
