In a near perfect away performance, every man was committed to the cause as they battled, quite literally at times, to earn a point against a very good Nantwich outfit.

Certainly no shortage of character on this occasion as lowly Reds did enough to win but, more importantly, were determined not to lose.

They scrapped as though their lives depended on it and a mixture of bravery, desire, good fortune and even a bit of skulduggery saw them keep out the free scoring Dabbers.

It was a compelling watch, albeit rather feisty at times, with both teams going close to winning and the only mystery is how it remained goalless.

Under pressure manager, David Hewson, was more upbeat after this display and gave his usual honest appraisal afterwards.

“The atmosphere felt good and, although confidence is low, I’m really pleased and proud of the players for stepping up today, not shying away from the task, being brave, sticking to their individual responsibilities and doing it well to get a hard earned point. We did the basics very well.

“We are not getting carried away at all, it’s just a small step in the right direction to turn what has been a disappointing season so far around. We had to stifle them, knowing what their threats were. You have to respect the opposition and plan appropriately, we did that and it worked.”

Clear-cut opportunities were few and far between in the first half and Jason Walker’s goal-bound shot was actually blocked by Scott Allison and Conor Tinnion sent a free kick high over the bar.

At the other end, Nantwich saw one close range effort cleared off the line and ex. Red, Joe Mwasile, saw a promising effort kept out by brave defending from the visitors.

The Cumbrians did well at the start of the second half and Tinnion’s volley was well held by Fabian Speiss. Tinnion’s diagonal pass then released Sam Joel down the left but, after cutting inside, he sent his shot over the bar. The impressive Holt, enjoying his best game of the season, also squandered a chance with a similar errant finish.

It was against the run of play when Nantwich thought they had opened the scoring with a superb goal on the counter attack. Jamie Morgan escaped down the right and his excellent assist from the flank was swept home by Craig Lindfield but, much to the relief for all in the Workington camp, the latter was flagged marginally offside.
Workington deserved that slice of good fortune.

Town had another gilt-edged chance soon after when Aaron Knight looked a certain scorer, but the outstanding Matty Douglas got back in the nick of time to avert the danger.

And Reds had two more openings just before the end. Tinnion volleyed a foot wide of the target from the edge of the box and Kieran Maguire broke through, made good ground only to drag his shot narrowly wide of Spiess’ right hand post.

Nantwich Town Spiess, Morgan, Barnes, Stair, Mullarkey, Bell (Bourne, 46), Mwasile, Lawrie, Saunders (Malkin, 70), Cooke, Lindfield (Knight, 77). Substitutes – Phillips, Hawkins (not used).

Workington Taylor, Douglas, Rowntree, Wordsworth, May, Mellen, Joel (Maguire, 81), Holt (Hubbold, 90), Walker, Allison, Tinnion. Substitutes – Casson, Cowperthwaite, Mossop (not used).

Referee David Croft, Wirral

Bookings: Morgan, Barnes, Bell, Cooke (Nantwich Town), Taylor, Rowntree, May, Holt (Workington)

Attendance 378