Midfielder Phil McLuckie can’t wait to get the monkey off his back by scoring his first goal of the season for Workington Reds.

The 26-year-old often makes lung-busting runs from central midfield to support Workington’s attacking play but has yet to get off the mark for the West Cumbrians this season.

Asked to reflect on his season so far, McLuckie said: “I would be a lot more happy if I had scored. I just want that first goal. I am getting a bit of banter off the lads.”

Workington’s unbeaten run of six games in all competitions came to an end on Saturday when they lost 1-0 at home to Harrogate Town in the FA Cup.

But McLuckie, who lives in Workington, wasn’t too disheartened by the defeat to a team performing well in the league above.

“We knew they were a good side,” he said. “In the first half we played well and then in the second half they made it difficult for us.

“We didn’t disgrace ourselves. We wanted a cup run. I suppose the positive thing is that we can now concentrate on the league.”

Up next for Reds is a home match against Mickleover Sports in the Evo-Stik Premier Division on Saturday.

The Derby-based club are ninth in the table on 17 points, two places and one point above Workington, although Reds have a game in hand.

Mickleover, who were promoted last season after winning the First Division South, beat Matlock 2-0 at home on Tuesday night.

However, McLuckie isn’t paying any attention to the league standings just yet.

He said: “I don’t look at the table, we just focus on ourselves. Maybe after Christmas you look at the table.

“We don’t think there are any pushovers. Anyone can beat anyone on their day. We look to win every game.”

Workington are still unbeaten at Borough Park in the league this season, but McLuckie believes that a formidable home record can sometimes go against the team.

“Sometimes teams come and look to get a point,” he said. “They will just sit in and be hard to play against.

“But at home we feel confident of beating everyone. We won most games at home in the league league last year. And we will never go away and set up for a point.”