Joint-boss Dave Hewson remained defiant after Workington Reds’ 2-1 defeat at Coalville Town dropped them to 10th in the table.

He said: “Obviously, we are disappointed because we did not play well and had gone into the game after a big win and performance against Stourbridge.

“I will never criticise the players for their effort. The problem was that we didn’t start properly, yet had prepared for the game so well.

“We will re-group, get stuck into training on Tuesday and prepare for Saturday’s home game with Ilkeston.

"We are still very much in contention with so many teams competing for play-off places. It is so open this season.”

Workington have a free week before Saturday’s clash with Ilkeston at Borough Park – but then it gets really hectic with five games in 11 days.

They travel to Ashton on the Tuesday; host Pirelli in the semi-final of the Cumberland Cup on Thursday and then have an overnighter against Barwell at the weekend. Then it’s back to Borough Park on the Tuesday for a likely six-pointer against Buxton.

The cup tie date was eventually arranged by the Cumberland FA after the two clubs could not agree a date.

Pirelli had agreed to switch the tie to Borough Park but the actual date proved to be a problem.

Reds are the holders and would have preferred to play the game this week when they do not have a scheduled Evo-Stik Premier League game.

The hectic glut of fixtures will severely test the club’s playing resources.

Anthony Wright is still struggling with an ankle injury and unlikely to play again this season, while James Earl still has two matches to serve in his four-game ban.

Earl, who was sent off in the 2-0 win at Hednesford, will still have to sit out the games with Ilkeston and Ashton, and will be available again when Reds play Pirelli.