Workington Town boss Chris Thorman said he was always confident that they would take the points from Hunslet yesterday.

Thorman said even with just a slender 6-4 lead he never imagined that Workington would lose the game and called it a turning point for his side’s season.

In the end, thanks to a late Gordon Maudling try, converted by Carl Forber, Workington won 12-4 and handed Thorman is first League 1 points since taking over the reins.

“Even though they scored a breakaway try from an interception when we were attacking their line, I thought we still scrambled well and I genuinely thought the game was never in doubt,” said Thorman.

“I never felt that we were going to lose and I was proven right, they missed a kick at goal and we kicked the ball long, forced an error and scored a try of our own.

“It would have been easy for the group, especially with performances of late, to go into their shell and feel sorry for themselves, but they didn’t and for me that is a real turning point in the season.”

And he praised the side’s defensive effort, which he felt was hugely improved on last week.

He added: “I guess the scoreboard, only conceding four points, is the thing I will reflect on the most, especially as I have emphasised and prioritised the defensive element of the sport.

“The boys are finally starting to realise the importance of it. And I thought their defensive effort, particularly in the second half, was really good. We wanted to work hard for each other.

“So it was pleasing to get my first points, especially at home and home field advantage is important in any sport. But I think the way we rocked up for each other today was testament to the character of this group.”