REDS boss Danny Grainger is pleased with how his squad have performed in a challenging period for non-league football.

Workington AFC have once again seen their season halted by coronavirus. However, the Reds are staying focussed on the games that they hope still lie ahead in December, beyond the second national lockdown.

Manager Grainger said: “The boys deserve a couple of weeks to get back up to speed.”

Players are staying focused through lockdown, following tailor-made strength and conditioning programmes to stay fit and avoid injury.

“We get screenshots of the training they’re doing, he said. “They’re an honest bunch of lads that want to work hard and be successful. This is the time where you find out if you’re going to be successful.”

Grainger is confident in his side ahead of December’s games following their efforts on the field in the early stages of the season.

He mentioned Liam Brockbank and Dan Holdsworth for their unflinching service to the team: “I don’t like singling people out for praise but they deserve it. Those two have been out every game.

“Brockbank and Holdsworth have been superb. Brockbank had a slow start to the season but now he’s come to where he should be, he’s enjoying his football.”

He also paid tribute to the up-front partnership of Scott Allison and Reuben Jerome.

The attackers have begun to work well together, creating chances and constantly threatening a goal for the Reds.

He said: “When Reuben first came in he was getting used to how we play, he’s got up to speed now.”

It is an exciting time in the club with familiar faces like Conor Tinnion, Brockbank, Dav Symington and Allison continuing to represent the side well.

Grainger said: “It all bodes well we’ve just got to get through this lockdown.”

The side were once again at the top of the league when the season was halted for reasons beyond their control.

In a thrilling last-ditch effort on October 20, Jerome helped Reds top Clitheroe 2-1 at Borough Park. Four days later, Workington took a comprehensive 3-0 win over Ossett United on the road.

Goals from Allison, Jerome and Sam Smith took Reds to the top of the NPL North West Division.

It was on the journey home from a 1-0 victory against Glossop North End on October 31 that Reds learned of the impending second lockdown.

In an update on the club's website, a spokesperson said: "Our main focus remains the league but we can also look forward to another Trophy away day and a trip to Nantwich Town, a ground where we have won in recent seasons."

If the Government's assertion that the second lockdown will only last four weeks is correct, Workington Reds will face Nantwich Town in December at Weaver Stadium.

"Clarification is still needed on how the restart will be implemented because communal training sessions are also banned for the duration. The last thing we want is to resume on December 2 and then be told to play at Marine a few days later – there has to be some preparation time and perhaps a warm-up game."

No doubt Reds will look to capitalise on that "FA Trophy magic" when the season restarts.

The next game in the NPL North West Division would see them face Tadcaster Albion on the road.