Joint-manager Dave Hewson praised Workington Reds' efforts after a fourth successive draw in the league.

Reds drew 1-1 at home to Evo-Stik Premier Division's early pace-setters Warrington Town.

Hewson said: “We asked for a response from Saturday when we lost in the FA Cup and I think we got that.

“I certainly can’t fault the lads for their efforts. We asked for more passion and hunger and we got that.

“We are at our best when we play up-tempo and I thought for spells we were very good.

“It feels like a broken record, though, when I seem to be repeating myself each week.

“We are just lacking where it counts in the opposition area and I have to say we are not getting the luck of the bounce either.

“Although it was disappointing not to end our sequence of draws with a win, I certainly believe Warrington will be one of the teams still up there at the end of the season.

“We have had a bad run of injuries so it was good to see James Earl back on the field and scoring a very fine equaliser.

“Sam Smith should be close to a return on Saturday so gradually we are getting closer to a full squad.”

Rob Wilson and Nathan Waterston remain long-term absentees. Both have wounds which have to heal of their own accord.

Striker Waterston could be the first back in action but that might be nearer the end of the month.

Meanwhile, Reds are only out of the bottom four on goal difference yet are only eight points behind the league leaders.

Newcomers Shaw Lane are the new leaders after their 2-0 home win over Rushall Olympic.

On Saturday, Reds go to Grantham who dropped from second to fifth after a 1-0 defeat last night at Mickleover.