IT took until the 84th minute to really decide this game with the best goal of the encounter, Phil McLuckie finishing off a superb move from Reds to make it 3-0.

Although Reds took an early lead and were 2-0 up by half time, the result always looked in doubt.

Mickleover looked the stronger side for the majority of the game, with their midfield on top for long periods.

The visitors were one of the better sides to grace Borough Park this season and Reds really had to dig in to clinch the league pints.

Anthony Wright was superb in the middle of the park, with some timely challenges for his side and although it wasn't the easiest of wins it may prove crucial as the season goes on.

And it retains Reds' fantastic home record at Borough Park and extends their unbeaten run to 13 games.

In the opening minutes, a nice ball from Anthony Wright looked to find Scott Allison in between the two Mickleover defenders but he just couldn't control the ball to take on the keeper.

The first corner of the game fell to the visitors and it was floated in to be met by the head of Pablo Mills who directed it straight towards goal but Aaran Taylor was on hand to collect.

Miniutes later Evan Garnett was unlucky not to open the scoring for the visitors. He looked to slide the ball past the advancing Taylor from an angle but the ball rolled right across the face of the goal before going out for goal kick.

Workington then got their first corner of the game and Conor Tinnion pushed the ball in but Mills was quick to clear.

But the ball only went as far as Tinnion and he got a second chance and put a better ball in this time and it was Dan Wordsworth who rose up to head the ball home and give his side the lead.

Mickleover continued to press to try and level matters and a free kick from player/manager John McGrath had to be headed clear by Wordsworth at the expense of a corner.

That was floated in towards the far side of the area where Mills got his head to the ball but Taylor collected at the far post.

Mickleover were looking the more dangerous side on the attack and Workington were being restricted into the odd foray into the area.

But they had a chance when Josh Calvert put in a good cross, which Matty Douglas reached to head back into the area but the final ball did not trouble the keeper.

A great little flick from Allison got the ball into the path of the onrushing Symington who took the ball into the area before he was closed down and the ball went out for a corner.

This seemed to spur Reds on and they attacked again, this time winning a free kick out on the right hand side.

Tinnion used his trusty left foot to pump the ball into the centre of the area where Wordsworth looked to go down under a challenge but the ball came off his chest as he fell and bounced into the back of the net.

In the excitement, Symington nearly made it three when his volley went inches past the post but Reds would definitely take the two goal advantage at half time.

The opening exchanges of the second half were tense and Reds, despite having the scoreline advantage knew they were in for a battle.

Mickleover signalled their intent with some crushing tackles and they should have got a goal back when Garnett's header just bounced off the advertising hoarding to the right of Taylor's goal.

Reds had one of their best spells of the game as they picked up the pace and took on the visiting defence with Tinnion to the fore.

But the home fans were angered as Phil McLuckie's claims for a penalty were turned down the referee in the 63rd minute as he went down under a challenge.

Mickleover turned defence into attack as they put some real pressure on Workington's back four and Wright had to blast the ball behind for a corner after a scramble in the goalmouth.

The visitors' captain joined their manager in the referee's book as he was yellow carded for a challenge on Allison as both teams fought for control.

It was end to end stuff with some great football on display and Sam Joel had a good chance from the edge of the area but blasted it over the bar.

On the break, Tinnion fought hard to keep hold of the ball and beat his man, before turning and letting loose with a good shot that come back off a defender.

But Reds had saved the best for last and with six minutes remaining Reds caught their opponents out cold on the break.

Allison found Waterston out on the right hand side and he made no mistake with a quick ball into the centre to find McLuckie.

He bore down on the keeper and then slammed it over his head into the back of the net to the roars of appreciation from the home crowd.

He nearly got his own brace as Douglas pulled a nice ball back for him but his shot went up and over.

As the final whistle sounded, Workington would be very proud of their gritty display.

Reds: Taylor, Douglas, Rowntree, Wordsworth, Calvert, Wright, Symington, McLuckie, Allison, Joel, Tinnion. Subs (not used): Waterston, Earl, Mellen, Whitehead, Wilson.

Goals: Wordsworth 13, 43, McLuckie 84.

Mickleover: King, Grocott, Turner, McGrath, Mills, Burgin, Dales, Scott, Morris, Garnett, Phillips. Subs (not used): Timms, Grayson, Horne, Morrison.

Yellow cards: McGrath 50, Burgin 74.

Referee: Chris Ellis

Half time: 2-0

Crowd: 387.