Luke Hunter scored the match winner on his home debut for Workington as the Reds recorded back-to-back home wins for the first time this season.
A composed finish in the 88th minute secured a priceless 1-0 victory over relegation rivals, Morpeth Town.
In a game played in atrocious conditions, Hunter converted one of the few chances created to keep alive Reds’ survival aspirations.
They are still anchored to the foot of the NPL Premier Division table but are slowly but surely reducing the gap on the teams above.
Morpeth had missed the best chance of the first half, when Rhys Evans headed over an open goal, and had the ball in the net before the home side’s winner.
But Jeff Henderson’s effort was disallowed after the assistant referee raised his flag.
And even after the goal, Morpeth went close to equalising but dogged defensive work and a point-blank Alex Mitchell save kept the Northumberland side at bay.
Workington had to complete the game with 10 men after Charlie Barnes was sent off for the third time this season.
He had already been booked for an earlier foul and was then sent-off in the 79th minute after halting Aaron Chung’s run towards goal.
The crucial goal came towards the end of an even contest with Steven Rigg providing the assist for Hunter, who has joined Reds on loan from AFC Fylde.
The Town keeper, Dan Langley, and Hunter were faced with a 50/50 race for the ball but the former slipped and the extra couple of seconds enabled the former Penrith striker to guide the ball home from an acute angle.
A delighted Billy Barr described the late winner as: “A fantastic feeling for all the people involved with the club,” after recent late drama has gone against them.
He added: “We weren’t great, we know that, but the character they have showed on that pitch deserved some reward and I’m delighted for the players, staff and the supporters.”
Reds are at home again next Saturday when they host Walsall outfit, Rushall Olympic, but ground staff face the unenviable task of repairing the pitch before then.
