The agony continues for Workington’s supporters who are still waiting to see their team win at home this season.
Reds haven’t recorded a victory at Borough Park in eight outings with Cup kings, Gainsborough Trinity, the latest team to leave Cumbria with the points after winning by the odd goal in three.
An all too familiar lack of potency in front of goal is the main problem with Reds’ late consolation one of the few efforts on target in another frustrating evening.
Two softly conceded goals in a six-minute spell in the first half and the dismissal of skipper, David Symington, proved costly for the hosts who remain anchored to the foot of the NPL Premier Division.
Symington was shown a straight red just three minutes after the restart, leaving his team mates, already two goals down, to battle on gamely for the remainder of the game.
The second dismissal of his Workington career, borne out of frustration, followed a poor tackle. The referee deemed it dangerous enough to warrant an early shower for the skipper although the Trinity player, who retaliated, escaped punishment.
Gainsborough, preparing for another promotion push and still in both national cups, had established a two-goal lead with goals after 23 and 29 minutes. Lewis Butroid netted the first and Frank Mulhern doubled the advantage soon after.
Josh Ayres’ second half attempt rebounded off the woodwork before Steven Rigg headed Workington’s reply just before the end.
Despite playing for most of the second half with ten men, Reds displayed far more character than has been evident in recent weeks and made Trinity work for the points.
And in a season of doom and gloom, it was good to see the return of Kai Nugent and Tom Stephenson, back after injury.
Brian Dawson, probably in charge for the last time before Darren Edmondson’s successor is appointed was angry with the goals conceded and the red card.
“It was always going to be difficult against a decent team but to give them a two goal start and then be reduced to ten men, made it even more of a challenge,” he said.
“At least we showed a bit of character in the second half when they could easily have crumbled.”
Reds have another free Saturday, due their early exit from the FA Trophy, but hope to name their new manager before the next league fixture at Stocksbridge.
