Lee Andrews admitted he was disappointed his Workington Reds side failed to replicate the form that had toppled the league leaders earlier in the week, in their defeat to Buxton on Saturday.

Buxton took the all-important league points, winning 2-1 at Borough Park, after coming from behind.

Reds joint manager Andrews said his team just didn’t show the tempo and fight that they had shown midweek.

“We wanted to get off to a good start, get a good tempo and get on to the front foot but, really, we were the complete opposite of that,” he said.

“We went 1-0 up and looked comfortable and then another individual error led to their goal and the second goal just typifies us, an error and then it ricochets for them and straight through to score.

“It was so disappointing from our point of view, the tempo the lads played at and the way they approached the game, everything was the opposite of Tuesday night.”

The clash was played in freezing cold conditions, with wind howling around the ground and several snow flurries appearing across the 90 minutes.

But Andrews was not using the weather as an excuse and said they just didn’t adapt.

“It wasn’t easy but you play the conditions and, fair play to Buxton, in the second half they played the conditions," he added.

“They got the ball in our box and fought for every second ball and looked to play at a tempo and get on the front foot. That was what we needed to do but failed to do.”

Reds did not create many opportunities and the Buxton keeper was not really tested, other than the goal from Dave Symington.

“We didn’t create many chances at all,” agreed Andrews. “There was the goal and then a couple of half chances but, after that, we huffed and puffed.

“You hope that in the last few minutes, going in 2-1 down, that we would put them under a little bit of pressure and try and get them going back towards their own goal but we failed to do that.”

Reds now have to look towards tomorrow night and the visit of Shaw Lane to put things right.

Shaw Lane are also coming into the game on the back of a heavy defeat and both sides are fighting for play-off chances so there is everything to play for.

“I think both teams will be out to put things right tomorrow night so it should be a good game of football,” said Andrews.

Reds have been dealt a blow with the news that Phil McLuckie looks to have a hernia so can only be used sparingly ahead of an operation in the close season.

“Phil looks like he has a hernia, so we will have to play it by ear. He won’t get an operation until the end of the season so might be available for the odd game but we will just try and manage that,” added Andrews.

“Hopefully, Scotty will be back tomorrow although the game might come slightly too early for Jordan Holt.”