By Martin Morgan

Last updated 12:28, Thursday, 17 July 2008

Workington Town’s reserve-grade belied their league position with a gritty performance in a 26-8 defeat against high-flying Whitehaven at the Recreation Ground last night.

The hosts led 16-4 at the break, thanks to tries from Andrew Jones, Craig Benson and Paul Lancaster, with Andy Todd replying for Workington.

Winger Lancaster added his second after the interval, Carl Sice claiming another, and Mark Haycock notched a well-constructed try for the visitors.

“It was a lot closer game than the results of both teams going in to it would have suggested,” said Haven manager Dave Farrell today.

“The opposition had a go and made it difficult for us. Workington had some new faces in and they seemed to make a difference.

“Garry Purdham played for them and had a good game, providing a bit of experience and direction.”

Lancaster, Benson, Derry Eilbeck and Tyrone Dalton picked up knocks for Haven, which Farrell said meant they were unable to rotate in the second-half.

“We seem to be doing it tough with injuries at the moment, after John Lebbon’s at the weekend,” he added.

“Hopefully these new ones aren’t as long-term as John’s. We have four games left, only one at home, and second-place has to be a realistic goal for us.”