FOR Witton Albion, the result feels like an opportunity missed.

Scott Allison’s winning goal for Workington, a shot from an angle that arced into the top corner, was the outstanding moment of a match that wasn’t good to watch.

But nor was it all bad.

Reds rarely win when they visit this part of Northwich, returning to Cumbria only once with maximum points from 16 previous meetings in the Northern Premier League.

They did just enough to improve on that record but the hosts, who led for only two minutes in total, can point to at least three decisive saves from their guests’ goalkeeper as proof they merited a draw.

“We didn’t deserve to lose or win,” said Witton boss Tony Sullivan afterwards, to reinforce the fact.

He predicted beforehand that Albion’s path to survival would not be straightforward despite celebrating victories in three of their past four Premier Division matches.

This was their weakest performance in a while, but still they remained in the contest until the final whistle.

In a forgettable opening period, they also scored first.

Jamie Rainford’s fiercely-hit drive had prompted Workington custodian Jonny Jamieson to sprawl to his right and save smartly after 23 minutes.

At the other end, Gareth Arnison blazed too high after Matty Tymon nudged Jake Simpson’s cross into his path.

Albion went ahead four minutes before the break, when captain Anthony Gardner rifled in a rising shot from Danny Andrews’ lay-off.

Workington replied immediately, Dan Wordsworth’s attempt squirming past the left hand of goalkeeper Dean Porter after the home team failed to clear a set piece.

The visitors, Witton’s conquerors in the FA Trophy last month following a replay, carried that momentum into the second period.

And they were rewarded on 57 minutes when Allison stroked a stunning effort past Porter with a swish of his left boot.

In reply Sullivan sent on Luke Clark, whose influence on the game from midfield grew gradually after his introduction.

He started an attack that ended with Gardner’s touch being diverted into Jamie Henders’ path, but Jamieson was swift from his line to smother the striker’s shot.

His best intervention followed, stretching to tip John Shaw’s volley around an upright after Andrews had clipped a cross the defender’s way.

But Witton, restricted by their guests from working up a head of steam thanks to disciplined defending and canny fouling – player-manager Gavin Skelton and substitute Anthony Wright both stopped promising counter attacks with clever trips – caught only glimpses of goal.

Seemingly content to protect their slender advantage, the visitors would have settled the outcome had Ben Harrison not timed perfectly a tackle on Phil McLuckie.

After four meetings this season, it’s unsurprising the sides knew how to counter each other’s threats.

“We huffed and puffed,” admitted Sullivan.

“They were savvier than us in the end, something we can learn from.”

Witton (3-5-2) Porter (GK), Barnes, Harrison, John Shaw, Gardner, Corbett, Joe Shaw (Clark 61), Danny Andrews, Dawson (Koral 78), Rainford, Henders Subs not used Swift (GK), Gibson, Read Goal Gardner 41 Booked Joe Shaw, John Shaw

Workington (4-4-2) Jamieson (GK), Simpson, Calvert, Wordsworth, Rowntree, Allison, Skelton (Smith 84), McLuckie, Tinnion, Tymon, Arnison (Wright 76) Subs not used Lee Andrews, Mwasile, Newby Goals Wordsworth 43, Allison 57 Booked Skelton, Tymon, Wordsworth, Rowntree

Referee Paul Hodskinson

Attendance 371