Devastated Workington Reds boss Derek Townsley admitted games are running out as they aim to claw their way back into the play-offs.

Reds lost 3-1 at the hands of Frickley Athletic on Saturday, despite having a host of opportunities to come back at their visitors.

And with Stourbridge winning and Ashton United picking up a draw, Reds remain in sixth place in the Evo Stik premier.

"We are still very much in the picture but games are running out," admitted a disappointed Townsley. 

"I'd be disappointed, certainly for the lads, not to have anything to show  for the season.

"For the vast majority of the season they have been superb but you get games like today where they have let themselves down."

Reds were 2-0 down in a poor opening 20 minutes before they picked back up and peppered the Frickley goal in a purple patch leading up to half time.

Townsley added: "It's pretty obvious to anyone that you can't give teams a two goal start and then expect to take something from the game.

"Although saying that I still felt we probably should have been ahead at half time.

"In the the latter half of the first half I felt we could possibly have been 3-2 up going in.

"We hit the post and missed a penalty and had one or two other decent opportunities but you have to put them away. To be honest I'm pretty lost for words."

He admitted there were some bright spots, with good performances from Joe McGee and Anthony Wright in particular.

But he was making no excuses for the goals conceded.

He added: "Barring the start I thought that after we started playing, after 20 minutes, I thought we had a good spell. 

"We had some good chances and got one goal but the first 20 was just unforgivable.

"At half time we wanted to continue where we left off but that certainly never happened and the third goal was another soft one that we gave away.

"I just wish that teams would give us as many soft goals as we give other teams."

Reds now face a crunch week, with two away trips, first to Nantwich tomorrow night, followed up by a huge game at rivals Ashton United on Saturday.