Workington Reds slipped up again at Nantwich where their 2-0 defeat put them four points behind their rivals in the race for the Evo-Stik Premier Division play-offs.

It makes Saturday’s trip to Ashton vital as defeat for the Reds would be the end of their promotion ambitions.

With a number of key players missing for last night’s game, the Cumbrians were always up against it and were second best for long periods.disappointed

Assistant manager Dave Hewson, in charge in boss Derek Townsley’s absence, was very disappointed with the performance and said: “When I saw us perform like this, it wasn’t what I expected from a side who has been chasing a play-off place all season.

“Conor Tinnion and Joe McGee were magnificent with the work they did but I think one or two others have to hold up their hands. They weren’t up for it and that’s disappointing when you consider what was at stake,” he added.

“I know we have some key players missing but we have never used that as an excuse. Unfortunately, we haven’t had the experience to back up when we have lost them.

“It’s good that the club has young players coming through the reserves but in a situation at the end of the season like this we need experience and it’s counted against us.

“But we are still going to fight on. There are four points between us and Ashton United and Stourbridge.

“We go to Ashton on Saturday and it will be our job as a management team to lift the lads for that game.”

Reds play at Ashton on Saturday before finishing with two home games against Matock and Buxton.