Last updated at 23:22, Tuesday, 19 February 2013

Gari Rowntree harpooned a stunning 20-yard drive into the roof of the net as 10-man Workington Reds battled to a stunning 1-1 draw with Chester.

Workington had to play against Chester, who are 16 points clear at the top of the Blue Square Bet North, with 10 men after Lee Andrews was controversially sent off with just five minutes on the clock.

The defender was adjudged to be the last man after tangling with Nathan Jarman, and referee Peter Wright quickly flashed a red card to the dismay of boss Darren Edmondson.

His Chester counterpart Neil Young agreed Andrews was harshly dismissed and admitted: "It wasn't a red card. If anything it was a free kick for Workington."

Wright has agreed to study video evidence, and Andrews could help rescinded.

Chester, who signed Carlisle United's long-term nemesis Lee Trundle 24 hours earlier, took the lead on 50 minutes when Williams headed Antoni Sarcevic's cross past Joel Dixon.

But the lead only lasted two minutes as Rowntree latched on to a loose ball, and ran at the heart of the visitors' defence.

And, from 20 yards, lashed a fierce shot into the roof of the net, to restore parity.

The longer the game went on, Workington dropped deeper, allowing Chester to press, but with no joy.

Reds defence was dogged, as they stayed held on for a fantastic point.

From Chester's 30 matches, they have won 25, losing just once.

Workington remain 16th in the league, 10 points above Colwyn Bay in the final relegation places.

Elsewhere, Colwyn drew 2-2 with promotion hopefuls Guiseley, and relegation-threatened Droylsden earned a point from a 1-1 draw at Harrogate. 

First published at 22:38, Tuesday, 19 February 2013
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk