Workington Reds dropped their first League points of the season on Tuesday night, but still earned high praise from their manager.

After five straight victories in NPL West, Reds were held to a 2-2 draw by Trafford – although it was Workington who needed a late equaliser to earn the point.

Boss Chris Willcock said: “I thought the lads were outstanding. Because of the situation we find ourselves in it would have been easy to down tools and feel sorry for ourselves at 2-1.

“Our injury problems have been well documented and the game had sort of drifted from us, but they showed tremendous togetherness and team spirit to come back and got the equaliser which keeps us unbeaten.

“We are not going to have our own way every week and Trafford are a good side, unbeaten in the League and showed why against us.”

Reds had gone into the game without eight senior players – six injured, one suspended and another on holiday – and perhaps two of them might be available again for Saturday’s home game with Leek Town.

Twice Reds had to come from behind and draw level, the second equaliser coming eight minutes from time.

The home side had gone in front with a very good finish from Aidan Roxburgh on 32 minutes after a fairly even start to the game.

It took only six minutes for Reds to level after a hand ball in the box and Rowan Roache slotted home his second penalty in successive games.

A 1-1 score-line was a fair representation on how the first-half had gone although Matty Clarke did have to make a timely goal-line clearance seconds before the half-time whistle.

Trafford were certainly the better side in the third quarter of the game and deservedly went in front with another good finish, this time by Max Hazeldine on 54 minutes.

But Reds fought hard in the closing stages and got their reward with the late equaliser. Roache, who had been a threat throughout with his fine deliveries, sent in another great cross and this time Ruben Jerome got on the end of it to head home.

Saturday’s visitors Leek Town, who were 3-0 winners on Tuesday at 1874 Northwich are 11th of 20 in the table with seven points, nine behind the Reds - but they have won two of their three away games.