Workington hold a slender one goal lead against visitors Whitby Town in a game that they so far have dominated.

Reds were looking to move their unbeaten record out to 18 games against a side who were without a win in 16.

And in sticky conditions due to the heavy rainfall before kick off, Workington looked the better side for the majority of the first half.

Reds looked dangerous on the attack and they restricted their visitors to the odd chance on the break.

The home side began well when a low free kick from Dave Symington got right into a crowded penalty area but the referee adjudged the ball to have come off the boot of a Reds player and out for a goal kick, despite the home calls for a corner.

Then Gari Rowntree came in and had a shot of his own from long range. It took a slight deflection but the visiting keeper Ryan Whitley was waiting for the ball.

McLuckie won a free kick just on the edge of the area and Symington stood over it ready. He drove it in well over the wall but it just went inches over the top of the crossbar.

Another free kick, this time out on the left hand side, caused more consternation for the Whitby defence. Symington whipped in the ball but, despite their best efforts nobody could get the final touch and the keeper gathered at the second attempt.

Whitby took advantage and raced to the opposite end of the field where Junior Mondal had possibly the best chance so far but he ballooned the ball over the bar from close range.

Reds responded by upping the ante and Nathan Waterston picked up the pace down the left hand side, he come in and attempted a shot which was blocked.

But McLuckie kept the ball alive and it came back out to Anthony Wright who hit a low drive but it went straight into the arms of the keeper.

All the pressure finally paid off in the 26th minute when a good ball from Symington found Waterston bearing down on the keeper.

He took him on and blasted the ball past him into the back of the net to give Reds the lead.

A great run from Wright saw him come into the area and beat his man before seeing his shot blocked, to go out for a corner, which was just too long.

Reds were well on top by this point and Symington fancied his chances when he raced forward and drove a shot goalwards, but the Whitby keeper stood firm.

Waterston looked to be in the clear once again but, much to the despair of the crowd, gave a contentious offside decision to halt the youngster in his tracks.

A late challenge from Rowntree in the Whitby area earned the Reds skipper a yellow card but this was the only real downside for the home team in the opening 45 minutes.

Whitby had a late chance with Lewis Maloney taking a free kick out on the right hand side but it was well cleared by Wright and Reds saw out the half with a one goal lead.