Former Reds boss Gavin Skelton took the honours when he returned to Borough Park with his Queen of the South side.

Workington slipped to their second defeat of their pre-season build-up when Queen of the South scored a late winner in the 2-1 victory.

New striker Tom Kilifin scored his fourth goal in as many games to give Reds an early lead.

But former Carlisle United forward Steven Rigg levelled soon after and Dean Brotherston grabbed the winning goal six minutes from time.

“I was a bit disappointed with the second-half if I’m honest,” said Reds manager Dave Hewson.

“I thought we stood off them a bit too much and it had the feel of friendly about it.

“We have not been able to field a settled side in the friendlies and some lads have had to do 90 minutes when 70 would have been preferable.

“But it’s hopefully going to fall into place by August 13 when we play our first competitive game and the majority of players who have been out with injuries will be back and fit again.

“I was pleased with Nathan Waterson. It’s the first time we’ve had the chance to give him a run out and he showed up well.

“He’s dead keen and is the type of player we can use in a variety of positions,” added Hewson.

Reds had gone into the game without a clutch of injured players and there were more alarms when Jake Simpson limped off before half-time with a tight hamstring.

Gari Rowntree, Anthony Wright, James Earl, Rob Wilson and Scott Allison were all ruled out through injuries and the Reds management certainly don’t want any more problems with the season only two-and-a-half weeks away.

With Sam Smith, Phil McLuckie and Gareth Arnison all unavailable, the squad was packed with youngsters, who all got some game-time.

Reds also gave a delayed debut to ex-Carlisle, Barrow and Penrith forward Nathan Waterson whose chances to shine had been held back by a serious ankle injury picked up playing cricket.

experience

Skelton said: “I thought it was a good work-out for both teams and it could have gone either way. Although I brought a young squad, they are all part of the first-team group and some have had first-team experience.

“We have been in full training since the middle of June and have played some competitive football in the Betfred Cup, so we are a bit further on than Workington.

“From what I saw, Workington should be competitive and, hopefully, can get promoted this time round after to near misses.

“They look to be putting together a useful squad.”

Reds have two more friendly games before they open their Evo-Stik Premier programme at Rushall Olympic on August 13.

They go to Lancaster City on Saturday and, a week later, play their annual friendly at Kendal, leaving a week to make final preparations for the trip to Walsall.

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