Ramsbottom United were left to rue missed chances as they followed up their disappointing 3-2 defeat at home to Kings Lynn Town on the opening day with a narrow loss on the Cumbrian coast on Tuesday night.

In a first half dominated by the visitors, the inability to convert a number of openings came back to haunt them as the home team stepped up to the mark in the second period and grabbed the all-important winner.

It all started so brightly for Rammy as they went in search of their first points in the Evo-Stik Premier following last season’s promotion.

A Lee Pugh free-kick on six minutes was hacked clear by the Reds’ defence, before Lee Gaskell blasted over from six yards.

Having withstood the early pressure, the home side gradually began to open up, and a couple of chances fell their way, but it was the Rams who looked more likely to score. A fine run by Jordan Hulme saw his cross desperately cleared, before Grant Spencer hit the bar when left unmarked at the far post.

Connor Thompson saw an attempt deflected on to the post for the hosts.

Workington took control in the second half after Billy Priestley was sent off and a penalty awarded for his challenge in the box.

Grant Shenton kept out the spot-kick, but Martin Colman stabbed home what proved to be the winner 10 minutes later.

It was another crushing blow for the Rams, who went 2-0 up in the opening 10 minutes of their first game at this level, only to finish their Premier debut pointless. Jon Robinson and Jordan Hulme found the net, only for Ryan Fryatt to level with a goal either side of half-time before George Thompson hit a late winner.