Reds manager Danny Grainger says he is "very pleased" after his team put on a strong display against a professional side five divisions above them.

Workington AFC gave a ‘spirited and brave’ performance against EFL League Two Lancastrian opponents Morecambe FC on Tuesday night, in a pre-season friendly at the Mazuma Stadium.

In an evenly-matched contest, the Northern Premier League outfit dominated for long periods and were only edged out by a 54-minute strike by Morecambe’s Cole Stockton.

Amazingly the part-timers had only finished work a few hours before the game.

The match gave Grainger the chance to give players from the 18-man squad a run out - and only one Morecambe player completed the full 90 minutes.

Reds have been involved in a number of gruelling training sessions to get them in tip-top condition for the start of the season next month.

Grainger said: “I'm very proud, obviously. In the first half we dominated passing and created two or three opportunities.

“In the second half things changed, but I still felt we were enough of a match - they are five divisions above us.

“I know what the lads are capable of and I need them to be fit. It was a case of making sure everyone got minutes on the pitch.

“The first game of the season is in the FA cup on September 12 - there’s no point being at our peak now, but we are heading in the right direction. They were a full-time professional team and our lads are part-time.

“Fitness levels are a big priority for us and we are not worried by anyone.

“We’re looking forward to Cleator Moor and Lancaster City back at Borough Park next week.”

For information on fixtures, visit www.workingtonafc.com