Workington were in front for 45 minutes of their NPL Premier Division encounter at Leek Town but had to settle for a 2-2 draw after Steven Swinglehurst conceded an 87th minute own goal.
It was tough on Billy Barr’s Workington and even more so on Swinglehurst as he and his defensive colleagues had kept Leek at bay for much of the afternoon in another encouraging performance.
They had got themselves in front by half time having conceded the opening goal.
Connor Heath had headed Leek in front after thirteen minutes, although there were claims for a handball offence in the build-up to the goal.
But Reds responded well and levelled matters on the half hour mark. Josh Galloway sent a great cross in from the right and Thomas Curl deflected the ball past his own keeper, Dino Visser.
So, cruel irony that an own goal should cost Workington in the end after they, themselves, had benefitted from a piece of good fortune.
There was no luck about Reds’ second goal, though, with Dan Hopper scoring a sublime left-footed effort from the edge of the area – his second for the club in his productive loan spell.
Leek did improve after the break but they could not get through Reds’ back line, well marshalled by birthday boy, Jordan Little.
Reds had gone into the game without Hayden Atkinson and Tyler Magloire then lost David Symington in the pre-match warm up.
And when Tom Stephenson hobbled off in the early stages of the first half, it seemed as though the odds were stacked against them.
But they displayed great character throughout and confidently went about their business in an efficient manner.
Billy Barr was upbeat afterwards and pleased with the performance.
“It is a point gained, another towards safety, and the very least they deserved for all their effort and endeavour. We didn’t start well but recovered and looked in control for much of the game.
“I’m pleased for them today and, as a group, they were fantastic,” he said.
Here’s what he had to say below:
