WITTON Albion did not get the win their display deserved, but need not be downhearted.

They will be in Monday’s third qualifying round draw as a reward for a performance that ranks easily as their best since Tony Sullivan took over as manager last month.

When Phil McLuckie put Reds in front for the first time on 71 minutes, they might have folded.

Instead, Danny Andrews delivered an equaliser to earn a replay.

The two clubs have been here before, sharing six goals at Wincham Park in an FA Trophy tie in 1996.

Back then, the Cumbrians won the rematch.

Sullivan said beforehand their latest meeting was important to lift spirits, both among his players and on the terraces.

After only six weeks in charge, he is in the initial stages of restoring confidence shattered by a 12-match losing sequence in the league.

With that in mind, his side showed admirable verve.

There was resilience too; they were not knocked off course by the freak nature of Workington’s second leveller when Jake Simpson’s cross bounced unpredictably to deceive goalkeeper Ryan Swift.

McLuckie was first to a loose ball shortly afterwards to make it 3-2 after the teenage custodian had parried Matthew Tymon’s tame penalty, and blocked his attempt from the rebound, following John Shaw’s tug on the forward’s shirt to concede it.

Andrews speared in a stunning strike from distance – the best, and final, goal of an absorbing contest – by way of reply on 74 minutes.

Witton had taken the initiative during the early exchanges too.

Workington goalkeeper Jonny Jamieson scrambled to his right to shovel away Zac Corbett’s header from Andrews’ corner, repeating the trick when Jamie Rainford shot moments later.

At the other end, Joseph Mwasile skipped clear of Cliff Moyo and cut back for Tymon inside the six-yard box.

Swift, trusting his instinct, blocked the striker’s shot when a goal seemed certain.

Alex Titchiner put Albion ahead on 19 minutes, nudging the ball away from Jamieson before squeezing his shot inside an upright after Rainford had swept a glorious pass into his path.

Ben Harrison’s header thumped the crossbar from another Andrews set piece, then Workington hauled themselves level within 90 seconds.

Reds raided after Witton lost possession, an attack that ended with Tymon swerving a perfectly-placed shot into the top corner from outside of the penalty area.

The hosts responded, Andrews’ assist sending Titchiner clear only for Jamieson to smother brilliantly.

Josh Calvert smuggled clear Anthony Gardner’s shot from the rebound with his goalkeeper out of position.

Rainford twice sent shots off target after the interval, though he was luckier third time when steering Andrews’ pass beyond Jamieson to put Albion back in front.

It was an advantage in place only briefly.

Substitute Alex Salmon was sent off for Workington, who extend an unbeaten run to seven matches, as punishment for a studs-up tackle on fellow replacement Jamie Henders.

Still the sides could not be separated.

Witton (3-5-2) Swift (GK), Barnes, Harrison, Shaw, Gardner, Corbett (O’Brien 78), Dawson, Danny Andrews, Moyo, Rainford (Henders 75), Titchiner Subs not used Speare (GK), Karanlang, Koral Goals Titchiner 19, Rainford 59, Andrews 74 Booked Shaw (foul), Andrews (handball)

Workington (4-4-2) Jamieson (GK), Simpson, Calvert, Wordsworth, Smith, Mwasile (Allison 58), Skelton, McLuckie, Tinnion, Newby (Salmon 71), Tymon (Arnison 80) Subs not used Kyle Andrews, Wright Goals Tymon 30, Simpson 60, McLuckie 71 Booked Simpson, Tinnion (both fouls) Sent off Salmon (foul)

Referee Martin Woods

Attendance 251