In-form Conor Tinnion's switch into midfield has proved pivotal for Workington Reds said boss Dave Hewson.

With injuries and players departing the club in recent weeks, Reds have had to reshuffle their side.

But Tinnion's move has sparked some eye-catching displays including in the 1-0 win over Ashton United on Tuesday night.

"Since he's gone into a midfield role, he's hit form," said Hewson.

"Conor has got so much quality, everyone knows the quality he has and we've asked him to go and do a job in there.

"It's not just his quality on the ball it's his workrate and that filters through the rest of the team

"It is so important to win the battle in the middle of the park and I felt him and Rob Wilson did that on Tuesday and Conor's been outstanding for the last three games."

Reds fielded a very young bench against Ashton, made up of the leading talent from their reserve side.

Hewson paid tribute to the work being done by reserve managers Craig Routledge and Billy Redden, bringing the players on.

And he had a special mention for Robbie Hebson, who has grabbed his recent first team chances with both hands.

"It shows the good work being done by the reserve team managers," said Hewson. "We have to call upon lads when needed at short notice.

"And with the injuries we have had, plus James Earl going down with a sickness bug on Tuesday, we have to call on them.

"Robbie Hebson in particular has waited very, very patiently. He's played some really good games for the reserves.

"He got his chance on Saturday and came on again on Tuesday and I thought he did absolutely brilliant in the last two games.

"All credit to him for sticking with us. He's such a good lad with a great attitude and he was unfortunate not to get a penalty for us on Tuesday at the end.

"He's been really good to have around in the last couple of games when needed."