Stocksbridge Park Steels’ Bracken Moor Stadium has proved a happy hunting ground for Workington Reds over the years and their narrow 1-0 victory extended their unbeaten run to eight matches at the picturesque South Pennines venue.
And for the outgoing interim managers Brian Dawson and Billy Redden it was the perfect way to hand over to Reds’ new regime, whom the board expect to announce next week.
Reds climbed off the foot of the NPL Premier Division table after obtaining three valuable points and ending a run of six matches without a win.
Kai Nugent was credited with the match winning goal in the 58th minute when he forced the ball home after his original header has been blocked.
It was a scrappy goal to secure Reds’ second away win of a troubled campaign but this was no smash-and-grab raid and they might have won with a bit more to spare had they shown more composure in front of goal.
Luke Ellis and Steven Rigg had attempts at goal in the first half but Dan Hopper, twice, Nugent and Alfie McDonough went even closer in a second half dominated by the Cumbrians.
Steels only attempt of note came in the first period when Alex Mitchell dealt with a Kurtis Turner free-kick.
“They worked so hard for each other and deserved the three points today. We had a game plan and they executed it so well,” said a delighted Dawson.
“The boys were brilliant and it was pleasing to get the victory and a rare clean sheet and we can now hand over to the new manager with three more points on the board.”
Reds host Hyde United next Saturday, still searching for that elusive first win at Borough Park.
