Last updated at 11:31, Monday, 22 October 2012

Workington Reds were desperately unlucky not to be in the first round of the FA Cup.

Gareth Arnison

Adam Murray, Mansfield Town’s assistant boss, said: “Workington were really good. Their work ethic and attitude were top class.

“They caused us a lot of problems, and created decent chances, but didn’t put the ball in the net.”

The ex-Carlisle United midfielder, who scored the club’s only goal during the defeat to Swansea in the 2006 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final, was suspended for the match, but added: “It was always going to be tough.

“We didn’t come to Workington expecting to win. With out away record, it was a potential banana skin.

“Fortunately, we had a striker who put away his chances, and that was the difference.”

Jake Speight scored either side of the break to send the Stags through to round one.

Gareth Arnison netted a late penalty, with Jonny Wright and Will Vaulks missing last-gasp chances to level the tie.

“If Workington had taken their chances, they would have won,” said Murray.

“We had to battle, and earn the right to get a result.

“We are direct, and get the ball in the box. Our quality let us down at times, but Jake is a quality goal scorer, and was the difference.”

First published at 11:16, Monday, 22 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk