DROYLSDEN stayed top of Blue Square North on goal difference despite a second consecutive home defeat, but lacklustre displays such as this will see their tenure at the top shortlived.

Workington were good value for their victory, and Darren Edmondson will be very pleased with the way his side defended Gareth Arnison’s early goal, with two effective banks of four and hard-working front runners who closed-down Droylsden’s defenders at every opportunity.

The goal arrived on six minutes and was a result of a lack of concentration from Liam Brownhill, who gifted possession to Anthony Wright.

He fed the onrunning Gareth Arnison, who slipped the ball under the advancing Chris Howarth.

The Bloods responded well when Steve Beck’s shot was deflected into Alex Meechan’s path, but he screwed wide.

Tony Caig saved well from Tony Gray following good work by Alex Brown, before Paul Brown tried his luck from 30 yards only to see the ball strike the bar with Caig, for once, beaten.

Droylsden continued to be frustrated as Meechan headed Lee Roche’s cross straight at Caig, but Workington looked dangerous on the break, illustrated as Wright broke away and held off Roche before firing over from the edge of the box.

The second half was much the same story, with Droylsden lacking a cutting edge, but Workington always looked capable of adding to their lead through swift counter-attacking.

Arnison again benefited from an exchange with Wright, but Howarth made a good reflex save before denying Arnison.

Attendance: 381