Jack Ryan earned special praise from Workington Reds boss Dave Hewson after scoring the late winner at Matlock Town.

Ryan’s 88th-minute goal earned a 2-1 victory at Causeway Lane, completing a great comeback after the home side had gone in front after seven minutes.

“We were all delighted that Jack got the winner because that was his reward for three outstanding performances in our latest games," said Hewson.

“He really has upped his game as he’s got fitter and found his feet in this league and, even without scorin, he had shown how valuable he is to this team."

It was only Ryan’s second goal for the club and his first from open play but he has been a growing presence in the side in recent weeks, after a slow start to his Borough Park career.

Hewson and co-manager Lee Andrews took double satisfaction in Ryan’s goal because it was set-up by new signing Sam Joel, who was brought in after Joe McGee joined Buxton.

“Sam had only been on the field a few minutes but he showed great desire to rob a defender and then lay-on the pass for Jack to score," Hewson added.

“We like what we’ve seen of him in training and he’s obviously had a good grounding at Blackburn Rovers, so we are excited about his potential."

The Reds boss felt his side had deserved the win because of the way they had played throughout the game.

He said: “I think it was a complete performance after conceding an early goal.

"We came back to deservedly level by half-time when I thought we played really well.

“We anticipated a big effort from Matlock on the restart and we dug in and held them, and then began to look the more dangerous side again.

"It was a real team effort from everyone out there and I think was the best we’ve played away from home this season."

The teams had been doing their pre-match work-outs when a spectator collapsed at the pitchside tea bar, prompting an air ambulance to be summoned.

When it arrived, the kick-off was put back 45 minutes and the players went back to the dressing room.

Two Workington fans were hailed as life-savers after the stricken man was found to have no pulse and they worked on him successfully until paramedics arrived.