AN INJURY-time free-kick from Joe Jackson inflicted a second defeat in three for Worcester City as they lost 1-0 to bottom-placed Workington on Saturday (April 12).
Jackson curled home from 20-yards to give the Cumbrians their first victory in eight and keep alive their faint hopes of Skrill Conference North survival.
The reverse keeps City in 14th, seven points off a top-half finish, with only nine left to play for.
Carl Heeley’s men came out the traps quickly at Borough Park and Aaron Farrell had the first opportunity after seven minutes when he broke the offside trap, but his drilled effort was straight at Danijel Nizic.
Minutes later the attacker, given his chance to impress by Heeley, had the ball in the back of the net when he slotted home, however the linesman’s flag cut short any joy.
Neat inter-play between Farrell and Aaron Williams carved open another opportunity for the visitors after 15 minutes but the latter’s strike from 18 yards was comfortably saved by Nizic.
In a first-half void of clear cut chances, Wayne Thomas and Graham Hutchison once again produced commanding displays to leave Leigh Bedwell a mere spectator.
20 minutes after the restart Worcester created another half-chance when the ball ricocheted to Ethan Moore on the edge of the box, with the striker’s curling effort being taken easily by the Workington stopper.
As the game looked destined to end 0-0 the hosts’ broke deep into the three added minutes before winning a free-kick.
The Reds’ top scorer stepped up and bent his effort around the wall and past the diving Bedwell, to secure what could prove to be a vital three points for his side.