Workington Reds 0 Ramsbottom United 0: The weather was the real winner at Borough Park and both Workington Reds and Ramsbottom will be hoping for better conditions for tomorrow night’s replay.

A strong wind, and occasional bursts of wintry rain, dictated how the game was played. So good, flowing football was hardly on the menu for the sparse gathering of fans.

In a nutshell, Reds had the better of the territory and possession in the first half but were unable to seriously test Ramsbottom keeper Sam Ashton.

By contrast, Aaron Taylor kept Reds in the contest by making two excellent saves in the second half when the wind increased, and the home side often found it difficult to get out of their own half.

Without being extended, Ramsbottom had been happy to get to half-time all square and would have fancied their chances in the conditions.

They showed at times in the second period why they are on such a good run in the league below their hosts.

As can be the case with a strong wind behind, Reds frequently over-hit balls forward, so it was a frustrating first half. Despite winning possession well, and enjoying most of it in Ramsbottom territory, there was a lack of created opportunities by Reds.

Niall Cowperthwaite manufactured the best from his own initiative.

He went on a long run from midfield, going past several defenders to reach the area, but as he fired in a shot, he was falling and it left Ashton with a simple save to make.

On two occasions, Jason Walker and Kieran Maguire almost stole in at the byline but some excellent defending snuffed out the potential danger.

Ramsbottom had offered little in attack but, just before half-time, Ruben Jerome got free to drive in on goal but a combination of Matty Douglas and Taylor blocked the eventual shot.

There was certainly more about the Rams as an attacking force with the increasing wind behind them and Taylor was soon in action.

Nic Evangelinos, who had looked a threat, was presented with a chance just inside the area and the home keeper did well to come out, dive at his feet and block the shot.

The same two players were involved in the game’s magic moment midway through the second half.

Sam Smith was booked for a foul on the edge of the area and Evangelinos curled a wicked free-kick round the wall, only for Taylor to go full-length and fingertip the ball behind for a corner.

In fact, Ramsbottom forced a series of corners in the second half at a time when Reds were finding it hard to get out of their own half.

But some gritty and determined defending meant that chances were kept to a minimum and Reds were able to get through to a replay which, hopefully, will be played in better weather conditions.

Match Facts

Workington: Taylor, Douglas, Rowntree, Wordsworth, Smith, Cowperthwite (Paterson 85), Holt (Hubbold 75), Maguire, Walker, Allison (Joel 80), Tinnion. Subs (not used) May, Casson.

Ramsbottom: Ashton, Kennedy, Ellison, Moran, Thompson, Woodford, Rodney, Rother (Osi-Efa 65), Jerome, Donaldson, Evangelinos. Subs (not used) Rowe, Parker, Hart, Jarrett.

Referee: Samuel Barrott

Crowd: 298

Star Man: Aaran Taylor