Workington Reds manager Danny Grainger feels his side are getting back to their title-chasing best as they look to secure their first league win of the season this weekend.

Grainger’s side were held to a third draw in as many games on Tuesday night when they welcomed Trafford to Borough Park and the match finished 2-2.

But the Reds boss was taking positives from the result afterwards and said he believed his team were starting to look more like themselves ahead of this Saturday’s Northern Premier League North West Division clash with City of Liverpool (3pm ko).

“That was more like how we were playing last season at the top of the league,” he said. “It’s still frustrating, though, just to draw because we have been punished for two mistakes.

“At the same time I have to say that Trafford are a good, well-organised side and I think we are going to see a lot more challenges like that as the season develops.”

Grainger also revealed that the club had missed out on two targets as they look to bring in new faces due to Conor Tinnion and Dav Symington being on the sidelines.

Reds had started brightly against Trafford and were rewarded with a goal of quality on 15 minutes as Reuben Jerome cut in from the left and laid back a perfect ball for Scott Allison to thump home.

But the visitors levelled when a Brad Carroll back pass which was intercepted by Max Hazeldine and he found the net and took the lead through a 25-yard strike from Oliver Roberts on 34 minutes.

To their credit Reds responded really well and just before half-time were level as Charlie Bowman outwitted two defenders and powered in the equaliser, but Reds couldn’t find the desired winner despite all their pressure after the break – even after Trafford had substitute Matthew Barlow sent off for a dangerous tackle.