Workington Reds boss Dave Hewson admitted a 'lacklustre' first half performance lost them the game against bottom of the league Skelmersdale United last night.

Skelmersdale held on to a 1-0 lead to take just their fourth win of the season with Reds failing to challenge their visitors.

"I don't know how to describe it," admitted Hewson. "If you approach any game in that way, in any league and you won't get anything out of it.

"We were lacklustre and off the pace. But I give credit to Skelmersdale for their performance.

"They're a team full of young boys, with fight and passion. They might not have the quality of some teams in this league but if they fight like that they will get more points."

Reds tried to get back into the game and they got an opportunity through a penalty but Dave Symington blasted it onto the crossbar and it was clear it was not going to be Reds'night.

Hewson added: "We came into the game a little bit but we were nowhere near our full capabilities.

"We got the ball into better areas and created better opportunities but if you switch off they create opportunities and they went in with the lead at half time.

"But I put that defeat down to a lacklustre first half performance and it just wasn't to be with the chances in the second.

"The penalty was such a big moment at a time when we were on top, looking strong and looking to get back into the game.

"I thought if it goes in it changes the complexion of the game but disappointingly we went flat after the penalty miss and struggled to lift ourselves up despite a couple of chances at the end."

This Saturday, Reds will have a chance to make amends when Halesowen head to Borough Park and Hewson said the players would be keen to get back on track.

"The lads are hurting but they will respond in the right way," he said. "The fans deserve a more spirited performance that we know we are capable of."