Workington Reds 0 Blyth Spartans 2: Old rivals Blyth grabbed three points at Borough Park as Workington’s inability to take their chances cost them dearly.

Trailing 1-0 at the break, and then inspired by a penalty save from Aaran Taylor on the brink of half-time, Reds dominated the opening 25 minutes of the second period.

But they couldn’t get the breakthrough and Blyth, after conceding an indirect free-kick in their own penalty area, broke to clinch the game with a goal in the last minute of time added on.

Workington were still without Joe McGee while three of Saturday’s starting line-up – Tom Kilifin, Nathan Waterston and Robbie Hebson – were on the bench.

Scott Allison, who was used from the bench at Sutton Coldfield, was operating as a sole attacker in front of a midfield five.

Blyth, showing several changes from the side which finished second in the league last season, enjoyed plenty of early possession.

They had the first threat, too, when Robbie Dale was fouled five yards outside the area. Fortunately, Matty Pattinson’s free-kick hit another Blyth player in the wall and rebounded wide.

There was a chance for Reds when Allison got on the end of a poor back pass but couldn’t find a finish before he was tackled.

When Reds had a free-kick on nine minutes, Jake Simpson’s ball in was easily cleared and Dave Symington fired wide with a strong shot.

Blyth should have done better when a ricochet put Pattinson clear but he snatched at an early shot and was well wide.

When Workington responded Symington hammered another rocket but it flew high over the bar.

Reds had an opportunity from a free-kick on the edge of the area but Tinnion’s effort struck a defender in the wall and it went for a corner which was cleared.

But, on 20 minutes, Blyth took the lead. They got through too easily on the left and a ball into the box was headed beyond Taylor by Sean Reid.

Rob Wilson raised Workington’s hopes with a good effort from the edge of the area. Tricking his way past a defender he curled a shot for the far corner which Peter Jeffries leapt to take cleanly.

Workington’s best chance came on 41 minutes when Simpson curled the ball into the box and Sam Smith got on the end to head back across. But, from six yards, Allison headed over the bar.

On the counter, Blyth created an overlap for Pattinson but Smith got back well to tackle and clear.

Then right on half-time it could have been two for Blyth. A through ball split the home defence and Daniel Maguire seemed a certain scorer but was fouled by Taylor just inside the box and referee Ian Gittins pointed straight to the spot.

There was no card for Taylor, however, and the relieved keeper produced a brilliant save to go full-length and turn Stephen Turnbull’s spot-kick around the post.

Workington had early appeals for a penalty in the second half when Phil McLuckie seemed to be held in the box. The ball ran loose, though and Tinnion’s shot was deflected into the arms of the diving Jeffries.

Then McLuckie charged down the left and his cross was headed on by Allison. Jeffries clawed it away from goal and in the scramble that followed Wilson had a chance but drove over the bar.

Workington had started brightly and had another chance on 51 minutes when Symington clipped the ball invitingly across goal but there was no one there to apply the finishing touches.

Blyth made their first change after 59 minutes when Michael Richardson replaced goalscorer Reid.

A good cross from Tinnion saw McLuckie climbing highest and directing a downward header towards goal but Jeffries held-on.

Workington built the pressure and another good build-up ended with Tinnion firing in a shot which Jeffries did well to turn round the post.

There was a chance on the break for Blyth after a loose pass from Calver but Taylor blocked Richardson’s shot with his feet.

Matthew Wade was booked on 70 minutes after pulling back McLuckie on a break-out.

Workington made their first change on 78 minutes when Nathan Waterston was brought on for Wilson and a minute later Luke Armstrong replaced Wade for Blyth.

Reds had a free-kick just outside the area on 88 minutes but Symington’s shot was blocked by the wall and Tinnion’s return ball was easily held by Jeffries.

Three minutes of time were added on and there was drama in them. Jeffries picked the ball up from a back pass and Reds were awarded an indirect free-kick inside the box. The shot from Tinnion was blocked for a corner which was cleared.

The ball was cleared where Maguire held off Simpson’s challenge and sent Pattinson through. He held his nerve to beat the advancing Taylor to secure the points.

Workington Reds: Taylor, Simpson, Smith, May, Douglas, Calvert, McLuckie, Wilson, Allison, Symington, Tinnion. Subs (not used) Kilifin, Waterston, Hebson, Hederson, Fowler.

Blyth Spartans: Jeffries, Cartwright, Bell, Caines, Hutchinson, Turnbull, Pattinson, Wade, Maguire, Reid, Dale. Subs (not used) Armstrong, Bell, Parker, Richardson, Rivers.

Referee: Ian Gittins

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