Recap

How damaging this result will be can only be quantified in six weeks time but Warrington Rylands and Marine would certainly have been pleased with the outcome at Harrison Park.  And I suspect Leek would feel quite pleased with the point too, having been second best for long spells.

But such is the rivalry between the top four clubs, Reds fans may regard this as two points dropped as the title race promises to go the distance.

An excellent team performance from Chris Willcock’s side saw them fall just short of equalling the club record of seven successive league wins on the road.

After the frustrating postponement at Bootle which sparked much debate about the pitch, Reds quickly settled onto what looked an excellent surface at a venue they have enjoyed visiting in the past. 

But that much needed win proved elusive on a day when they fashioned the better chances.  And none better than a penalty awarded on the hour mark when Josh Ryder‘s foul on Reuben Jerome was spotted by the referee.

Steven Rigg took the spot kick but Danny Roberts read the situation, dived to his left and made a comfortable save.

Rigg worked tirelessly throughout but it wasn’t his day in front of goal.  He had headed the first chance of the afternoon over the bar then saw an eleventh minute ‘goal’ disallowed for offside.

The goal, which didn’t stand, followed an exciting passage of play during a bright opening from the visitors.  A free kick on the right was delivered with precision by Dav Symington into the area and skipper Brad Carroll saw his header strike the crossbar.  The ball was recycled and when it was returned across the face of goal Rigg was flagged offside as he netted.

Clear-cut chances for the remainder of the half were few and far between and whilst Reds moved the ball about well Leek seemed well organised at the back.

Billy Reeves saw one shot narrowly miss the target and Jim Atkinson’s only save saw him comfortably deal with a Tim Grice effort.

Brad Hubbold tried his luck from the edge of the box but the shot was blocked by a brave blue shirted defender.

It was knife-edge stuff with both teams aware of how important that first goal could prove to be.

Reds certainly enjoyed the greater share of possession in the second half but definitely lacked that cutting edge in Town’s penalty area.

After the penalty save, Rigg headed another effort wide, the excellent Matty Clarke had two shots blocked, Symington blazed wide from a good position, Sam Smith made a better connection with the far post than the ball and Hubbold saw a shot deflected wide.

At the other end, Olly Harrison’s tame header was routinely saved by Atkinson and Dan Trickett-Smith squandered possibly Leek’s best opening of the second half.

The hosts forced a few late corners but never looked the free-scoring side they are.

After scoring in thirty four consecutive league games, Reds have drew a blank in their last two outings and the manager will be working hard to prevent the drought extending to a third game next week.   

Leek Town: Roberts, Bavanganga, Keenan, Davidson, Harrison, Ryder (Trickett-Smith, 68), Wara, Reeves, Grice, Short, Stevenson (Saxon, 79).  Substitutes – Lake, Glover, Booth (not used).

Workington:  Atkinson, Harrison, Clarke, Carroll, Smith, Casson, Symington, Rigg, Jerome, Hubbold, Gaul (Allison, 64).  Substitutes – Fenwick, Leslie, Lightfoot L, Tinnion (not used).

Referee: Matthew McQuillan

Booking: Short (Leek Town)

Attendance: 702