Reds secure that elusive victory on the road

They made a mockery of their lowly position with a statement of intent and a few more results like this will see a gradual ascent of the Evo-Stik Premier Division table.

And for all the man-of-the-match contenders out there, let’s not forget the contribution made by manager Lee Andrews. With rumour rife about a change in the managerial structure, this proud man guided his team to a deserved win with three priceless points the belated Christmas present everyone had hoped for.

Possession-wise, Workington just about shaded the first half although City had a good spell towards the break.

Simon Wills tested Aaran Taylor with two shots from distance and the ‘keeper had to dive full length to push away a Cole Lonsdale effort from thirty-five yards in between.

Reds had gone close to opening the scoring when Jason Walker weaved his way into a scoring position but his low shot was scrambled away for a corner by loan ‘keeper, Jack Sims.

And a delightful move down the left culminated in Sam Smith’s inviting cross flashing across the face of the goal evading attackers and defenders alike.

The second half followed a similar pattern with the Cumbrians making positive inroads towards the City goal. But with only a slender one goal lead after several promising attacks, Reds had to defend as if their lives depended on it as the hosts battled to salvage a point.

They took the lead within two minutes of the restart following good work down the left from substitute Scott Allison. He found himself in acres of space before passing inside to Walker who, from the edge of the area, drove a low shot past Sims to register a welcome first league goal for almost four months.

Jordan Holt was twice thwarted by Sims with the second of those saves a remarkable stop from point-blank range. He also dealt with a decent Kieran Maguire effort from distance as Reds went in search of a second, decisive goal.

Walker came close to getting it only to fluff his lines at the crucial moment. He left a blue-shirted defender and the ‘keeper on the turf as he dragged the ball inside only to place his shot a foot the wrong side of the far post.

It might have proved a costly miss as City mounted a late spell of pressure which saw former Red, Tom Kilifin, head wide from eight yards out and Glenn Steel’s goal-bound effort superbly headed off the line by Conor Tinnion.

And with City just about conceding defeat, Reds grabbed a second goal in stoppage time to send the boisterous travelling sport into raptures.

Walker returned the favour to Allison with the former providing the assist from the left – one ginger Messi to the other ginger Messi – with Reds top scorer guiding home his ninth of the season from close range. Job done.

Lancaster City Sims, Fensome (Steel, 65), Lonsdale (Jarvis, 65), Wills (Bailey C, 71), Hudson, Williams, Winder, Norris, Kilifin, Wilson, Jordan. Substitutes – Henry, Russell (not used).

Workington Taylor, Cowperthwaite, Smith, Wordsworth, Douglas, Carroll, Holt (Paterson, 72), Maguire (Hubbold, 89), Walker, Joel (Allison, 46), Tinnion. Substitutes – Rowntree, May (not used).

Referee Chris Porter, Preston

Bookings: Maguire, Wordsworth (Workington)

Attendance 320