Workington squandered a two-goal lead to sink to a fifth straight Evo-Stik Premier League defeat away from home.

The 3-2 reversal at Basford United leaves them with only the three relegation places below them in the Northern Premier League’s top-flight.

On the Nottingham side’s 3G artificial grass pitch, Reds had built a 2-0 lead by the 29th minute, which would have been better but for missed chances.

Joint boss Lee Andrews said: “It goes without saying it was very disappointing to lose that lead, even though we hadn’t played all that well to lead.

“But it was so important for us to hold that advantage until half-time which made it a sickener when they pulled one back before the break.

“I’m afraid we suffered from our old problem of not taking our chances when they were there. I know they had opportunities but not as good as ours and it proved costly.

“I felt a bit sorry for our back four in the second half because I don’t think they got the protection they deserved.”

Andrews did not blame the artificial pitch for Reds fade-out, but stats have proved that Basford come stronger in the second half and that opponents – not used to the surface – seem to tire, often complaining of tired legs at the end.

“We are not pointing the finger at the surface and we will just have to get used to them because we have another game on Tuesday at Hyde, which is also 3G,” said Andrews.

He also refused to blame next Saturday’s FA Cup third qualifying round tie at Borough Park which would be worth £15,000 to the club if they win.

“We’ve said all the time, we just concentrate on the next game and I feel sure that the Kidsgrove game was not on the players’ minds at Basford," Andrews added.

“All we are saying now, after that defeat, is that we expect a reaction at Hyde tomorrow night.

"There is enough talent in this squad that we shouldn’t be fourth bottom in the league."