New Workington boss Billy Barr was reasonably satisfied after watching his side collect a valuable point following a 3-3 draw against Walsall side, Rushall Olympic.
It was his first visit to the West Midlands venue for the Northern Premier League encounter and the draw extended the mini unbeaten run to three matches, as Reds attempt to climb off the foot of the Premier Division table.
The Cumbrians had taken an early lead, found themselves 3-1 in arrears soon after half time but rallied strongly to salvage a point.
Barr said: “It was pleasing to come back from a two-goal deficit and shows a bit of character. I thought we looked stronger the longer the game went against an opponent who had dominated the first half.
“I said to them at half time, ‘don’t come back to the dressing room disappointed’ and they didn’t and we are all pleased with the draw.”
Steven Rigg had opened the scoring in the 12th minute, converting from ten yards after good work on the right from Tom Stephenson.
It was a lead they held on to until the 44th minute when Kian Ryley lashed home the equaliser.
And two further goals at the start of the second half left Reds facing an uphill task.
Alex Moore put the hosts ahead with a crisp finish after Sam Whittall’s header had hit the crossbar in the 52nd minute and, soon after, Olympic grabbed a third when substitute, Nick Clayton-Phillips, found the net.
Reds’ responded immediately and were back in the game when Rushall captain, Whittall, deflected the ball into his own net after another telling cross from Stephenson.
And Workington completed their gallant comeback with a deserved leveller in the 73rd minute.
It came from their first corner when Kai Nugent’s cross was headed back across goal by Charlie Barnes and Luke Ellis steered the loose ball past Jake Davies-Manton for the sixth goal of the afternoon.
There is little respite for Reds who are back in action on Tuesday when Guiseley visit Borough Park for a rearranged league fixture.
Here’s what Billy Barr had to say about the match:
