Workington’s fixture at Whitby Town was one of just three NPL Premier Division games that survived the weather and, as they collected a valuable point from a goalless draw in North Yorkshire, their relegation rivals, Morpeth Town and Leek Town, both lost.
Reds are still rooted the foot of the Premier Division table, and need to start converting hard-earned draws into victories, but another confident performance suggests there is still hope as they battle to retain their Step 3 status.
Manager Billy Barr is quietly going about his business and was delighted with another positive display.
“We didn’t get the goal we wanted but were still going forward in numbers in the last minute and it’s another point towards safety,” he said after Reds had extended their unbeaten run at the Turnbull Ground to six matches.
“Now we have to go and do it again at FC United of Manchester on Tuesday.
Losing Steven Swinglehurst to a calf injury mid-way through the first half was another blow Barr could have done without but Isaac Whitehall slotted into the back four and marshalled a solid defensive unit superbly.
At the other end of the pitch, they lacked that vital cutting edge but Steven Rigg, twice, Josh Galloway and Tom Stephenson, all had efforts saved by Town’s evergreen ‘keeper, Shane Bland.
And, with a bit more composure, Keelan Leslie might have secured all three points for Reds had he hit the target instead of dragging a last-minute shot wide.
Whitby’s attack was also a bit blunt and the returning Alex Mitchell dealt with well struck attempts from Lewis Hawkins and Micheal Woods and a weak header from Ben Farrar.
Reds had gone into the game without suspended duo, Brad Carroll and Charlie Barnes, plus the long-term injured David Symington, and had to rely on an inexperienced bench although the four substitutes called upon all contributed to the cause.
Manager Barr hinted of a potential new recruit early next week and was hoping to welcome Jake Allan back to the squad after injury.
Tuesday’s opponents, FC United, are currently 3rd in the Premier Division standings.
Hear Billy Barr’s verdict below:
