Not for the first time over the years, Workington Reds have battled against adversity to show true character.

Now, the management trio hope Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against Whitby Town, one of the leading sides in the Unibond Premier Division at the moment, will kick-start their season.

A 1-1 draw could easily have been turned into a victory and one of the brightest performances so far was achieved without six members of the squad selected to start the season.

Club captain Gari Rowntree, who may be ready to return to action by the end of the month, was on the bench as back-up for joint-manager Dave Hewson, who was in charge of team affairs on the night.

Kyle May, and his early season replacement Calum Henderson, both had work commitments, James Earl is serving a three-match suspension, Josh Calvert was on the bench as a named sub but couldn’t have come on, while Anthony Wright is still recovering from a groin operation.

But, on top of those absentees, Reds had been rocked by the double departure within a couple of days of long-serving midfielder Phil McLuckie and summer signing, striker Tom Kilifin.

Hewson said: “We have to be honest and say losing both players is a blow and I tried hard to keep the pair of them.

"I had long discussions with them both.

“Killer [Kilifin] says he was just exhausted from his work programme and it was affecting his performances on the field, while Phil felt his recent injuries were beginning to take their toll. You have to respect their decisions.”

Workington’s management trio have to work strictly to a budget, because of the club’s geographical position, as tight as most in the league.

But the good news is they will be able to bring players into the squad to replace the departing pair – although that may be easier said than done, again given where Workington sits on the map.

“We have already started looking and talking to other managers in the game," said Hewson.

"I have a pal who is an assistant manager at a higher level and he may have some fringe players, who may be available.

"It’s important, though, to bring in the right sort who is going to fit in with our lads.

“I’ve seen in my time as a player how we’ve gone away, up against it with a depleted side or arriving late at the ground, and have risen to the occasion.

"With our backs to the wall, we have responded."

He added:“That was the case at Whitby but I was getting good vibes on the bus en-route and in the dressing room beforehand.

"I had been wondering what sort of response I would get after Saturday but I needn’t have worried.

“I thought that was our best performance of the season and has given food for thought ahead of our trip to Warrington.

"I’m hoping now it will have kick-started our season."

One of Workington’s problems in their hesitant start to this campaign has been the inconsistency of their key players. Too many have been out of touch and form.

One of them, Conor Tinnion, had set such high standards over the last two years but had fallen short until Tuesday when he produced an outstanding display in centre-midfield.

Normally used on the left, sometimes on the right, Tinnion controlled the game.

“It was a terrific performance from a gifted player and has certainly got me thinking,” said Hewson, who also had a word of praise for goalscorer Nathan Waterston.

“Nathan is only 19, still raw but as keen as mustard and he really worked his socks off.

"We were all delighted he got his first senior goal to earn the point."