Devastated Workington Reds boss Derek Townsley admitted games are running out as they aim to claw their way back into the play-offs.

Reds lost 3-1 at the hands of Frickley Athletic on Saturday, despite having a host of opportunities to come back at their visitors.

And with Stourbridge winning and Ashton United picking up a draw, Reds remain in sixth place in the Evo-Stik Premier.

“We are still very much in the picture but games are running out,” admitted a disappointed Townsley.

“I’d be disappointed, certainly for the lads, not to have anything to show for the season.

“For the vast majority of the season they have been superb but you get games like today where they have let themselves down.”

Reds were 2-0 down in a poor opening 20 minutes before they picked up and peppered the Frickley goal in a purple patch leading up to half-time.

Townsley added: “It’s pretty obvious to anyone that you can’t give teams a two-goal start and then expect to take something from the game.

“Although saying that I still felt we probably should have been ahead at half-time.

“In the the latter half of the first half I felt we could possibly have been 3-2 up going in.

“We hit the post and missed a penalty and had one or two other decent opportunities but you have to put them away. To be honest I’m pretty lost for words.”

He admitted there were some bright spots, with good performances from Joe McGee and Anthony Wright in particular.

But he was making no excuses for the goals conceded.

Reds now face a crunch week, with two away trips, first to Nantwich tomorrow night, followed up by a huge game at rivals Ashton United on Saturday.