Workington Reds boss Dave Hewson praised his side for withholding the Marine onslaught to grind out a 2-1 win last night.

It was a hard fought win for Workington who had to play the majority of the second half with just 10-men as Conor Tinnion was sent from the field.

Despite their numerical disadvantage Reds went into a two goal lead with the visitors conceding an early own goal but Marine always threatened to come back.

And they did grabbing a goal back and pushing Reds all the way to the final whistle.

"Everyone could see we weren't at our best tonight," said Hewson. "We looked mentally tired but it shows great character to go down to 10 men, get a second goal and see the game through to get three points.

"I felt after the first goal we dropped off and never got going. I was disappointed after the first half and I was hoping for a response in the second half and I suppose we got it."

Hewson admitted he was pleased with how Reds responded to going down to 10-men.

He added: "It's all about how the team responds and I was really pleased.

"We made a tactical change to bring on Nathan Waterston, he works so hard, runs into the channels and gives us a breather when needed.

"And I was pleased he got the goal, it will do his confidence the world of good and he won us the game so fair play to him today.

"I was most pleased with how the team withstood all the pressure, we were bombarded with long balls into the box and corners.

"But all credit to the players for managing the game and seeing it through.

This is now a third win in a row for Reds and they have picked up another three crucial points, moving them up to eighth in the league.

And Hewson admitted it didn't matter how the points come about.

He added: "Everybody just wants three points and tonight we got them the ugly way but that's on the back of two very positive performances with three points."

Next up for Workington is Coalville Town on Saturday at Borough Park.