Workington Reds slipped to a disappointing 2-1 defeat away at Consett AFC on Saturday as the new season draws closer for the West Cumbrians.

Reds controlled the first hour of the game and took the lead nine minutes into the second half courtesy of a strike from new signing Rob McCartney. The Carlisle-based winger has been signed up by Reds after impressing while on trial with the club.

However, Northern Football League Division One side Consett grabbed an equaliser on 69 minutes through Michael Sweet.

They then secured the win eight minutes later thanks to a Michael Mackay strike.

Lee Andrews, joint-assistant manager of Reds, said: “We controlled the game for about an hour and scored a goal.

“Then we just stopped playing which is disappointing. It’s still pre-season I suppose but it was two disappointing goals to concede.”

On goalscorer and new signing McCartney, Andrews added: “I thought he did well.

"He admitted himself that he felt a bit of pressure on trial for us. Now he can relax a bit and enjoy himself. He deserved his goal today.”

Workington were without Alex Salmon (holiday), Adam Telfer (work commitments) and Scott Allison (ill) for the match.

Andrews expects to have both Telfer and Allison available for tomorrow’s game away at Kendal Town.

After a goalless first half against Consett, Workington took the lead nine minutes into the second half thanks to a strike from McCartney.

A deep cross was played into the box and McCartney arrived at the back post to steer the ball into the net.

Consett drew level on 69 minutes when a good pass found Sweet, who made no mistake with the finish to level the scores.

Consett then found a shock winner on 77 minutes. A free-kick was headed on and Mackay, through on goal, beat Alex Mitchell.

Reds tried to find an equaliser but the North East side held on for a morale-boosting victory.

Workington play their penultimate pre-season friendly tomorrow when they face a tricky away match at Evo-Stik First Division North side Kendal Town (7.45pm ko).