WORKINGTON joint-boss Lee Andrews insists the Reds are not out of the play-offs reckoning.

A fourth straight defeat this year in the Evo-Stik Premier League has seen Reds slip to 10th in the table.

They are eight points behind Ashton United, who currently hold down the last play-offs spot.

Andrews said: “It was something we discussed in the dressing room after the game and everyone is still focused on making the play-offs.

“The defeat at Rushall was very disappointing, particularly because of the way the only goal was scored.

“He finished it well but we felt he should have been closed down before he got into that position.

“We had looked comfortable before then so to concede right on half-time was a blow.

“I thought we huffed and puffed for a fair bit of the second-half.

“But I thought we could have got something from a big finish.”

Reds have been traditionally strong finishers to a season and Andrews believes there is enough character in the squad to get there again.

But an already small squad is reaching wafer thin proportions.

James Earl has quit the club through lack of opportunities in recent months, and Anthony Wright faces a few weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Reds were already missing defender Josh Calvert with a similar hamstring problem, and the programme will soon entail twice-weekly fixtures.

In fact, this week Reds are looking at home games tomorrow night (Marine in the League Cup) and Thursday (Workington Athletic in the County Cup).

“The league is our priority and that will be reflected in how we choose teams for these two games,” said Andrews.

Reds are back on the road on Saturday for another long trip, this time to Leicestershire to take on Barwell, recent winners at Borough Park.