Workington Reds are investigating an allegation of racial abuse during their first game of 2020 at Pontefract Collieries.

Reds lost the fixture 2-1 against their NPL North West Division promotion rivals and the club has now confirmed that it is looking into a claim that one of the host club’s players was abused during the match at Beechnut Lane on New Year’s Day.

The statement said: “We are seriously concerned about such allegations and the matter will be fully investigated.

“Workington Football Club takes a zero tolerance approach to racism and certainly does not condone any form of racial behaviour.

“We urge anyone who may have witnessed an incident of this nature to inform a club official so the facts of this matter can be established.”

On the pitch, Wednesday’s defeat was one of very few so far this season, with Reds going pointless for just the third time this campaign.

They host Trafford tomorrow (3pm kick-off) looking to bounce back at Borough Park and maintain what has been a stellar home record under manager Danny Grainger.

The Reds boss is expecting to see a reaction from his league-leading side against the division’s eighth-placed team but he is keen not to go overboard, panic and rush to make changes to the team.

“We need a big reaction now and I think every time we’ve lost we’ve done that,” he said.

“We can’t expect to give teams a two-goal head start and then give us more chances to come back at them.

“It’s the same squad that’s got us to the top of the league so far so I’m not panicking after one result.”

Jordan Little will be back in contention to feature in the squad while Sam Smith, who missed out on the trip to Pontefract due to a chest infection, could return.

n Simply Reds monthly draw: £500 – 148, Geoff Cowen, of Workington; £100 – 2163, Wayne Graham, of Seaton; £75 – 1800, Janice Talbot, of Westfield; £50 – 1242, Jean Griffiths, of Little Clifton; £25 – 745, Sara White, of Workington.

The rollover of £1,300 was won by 11, Derek Coyle, of Workington. The draw was witnessed by Celia Tibble.