Workington Reds got their new Evo-Stik Premier Division campaign off to a winning start at Rushall Olympic, recording a first opening day win on the road for 15 years.

James Earl headed Workington in front with the Premier Division’s first goal of the season, before Scott Allison’s sublime volley doubled the advantage in the second-half.

The Pics reduced the arrears thanks to Alex Reid’s close-range finish but depleted Reds survived late pressure to register a deserved win.

Delighted joint boss Dave Hewson said: “It was very hard work out there on a warm afternoon but credit to them all, they were magnificent,” he said.

“We scored the early goal but then sat back for a while and didn’t stamp our authority on the game like we should have.

“Rushall were a threat from set-pieces but Aaran Taylor organised the back four superbly and they defended well all afternoon.”

Making his league debut in the centre of Reds’ makeshift defence was Calum Henderson, and Hewson paid tribute to the rookie defender. “Full credit to him for coming in to a physical game like that and playing as well as he did.”

Reds had gone into the encounter without a lengthy list of regulars although long term absentee, Joe McGee, was named on the bench. “Joe wasn’t 100 per cent fit and only there to make up the numbers but he should be ready soon,” added Hewson.

Reds now prepare for the visit of Frickley Athletic tomorrow evening (7.45pm) and the squad could be boosted by the return of Sam Smith and Matthew Douglas.

Frickley went down 3-1 at home to Ashton United in their opening fixture.