Workington Reds boss Danny Grainger credited a steely determination in his squad to tighten up their already formidable defence after they recorded a fifth clean sheet in a row.

While Reds’ six goals at the other end caught the eye in their derby demolition of Kendal Town, their ability to keep the ball out of their own net on a muddy pitch which posed plenty of problems was just as impressive.

And with the shutout meaning Reds have now not conceded a goal in more than a month, Grainger took the opportunity to heap some praise on not just his defenders but every member of his squad for a collective desire to keep their goals against column down.

“I think the clean sheets have been something that, over the last few weeks, we’ve built on,” he said.

“It’s been a fantastic team effort to build up that record and even though Jim Atkinson in goal hasn’t had much to do, he’s been reliable.

“The way the players have gone about their business – in and out of possession – has earned them those rewards.”

Grainger changed things up for Tuesday night’s training session, ahead of the visit of Clitheroe on Saturday, swapping footballs and cones for mats and props as his squad enjoyed an evening of yoga which several players reported feeling the benefit of the following day.

“It’s something that we’d been looking into over the last few weeks,” he said. “With having a small squad we need to make sure that we’ve got plenty of players fit and available and it’s not always about making sure they’re doing an intense training session.”

The Reds boss does not have any fresh injury concerns ahead of training but one player who has already been ruled out for this weekend is centre-back Jordan Little due to a holiday.

Workington’s rampant victory at Kendal came the day after the shock news that club chairman John Mackay would be stepping down with immediate effect, along with vice-chairman Ross Peacock.

Grainger thanked the pair for the faith they placed in him when he was handed his first opportunity to become a manager.

“I can’t thank them enough,” he said.

“They gave me my first step in management which is something I will never forget.

“I’ve always had a great relationship with the chairman and all of the board and would speak to John several times a week.

“That was special for me and I have to thank him for everything he’s done for me personally.

“Ross has done so much in the community and to build up that side of the club and now we have to make sure we keep all of their good work up, however things are shuffled with the board.”