The Blues’ unbeaten start to the season was ended in agonising style as Workington came from behind to snatch victory with an injury-time winner.

Chris Smalley had given the Blues a half-time lead with his first goal for the club.

And David Lynch’s men were only moments away from coming through a major test of their ability to compete at the top end of the table with their unbeaten record intact.

After leading the way last season, Workington can be expected to repeat their promotion challenge this time around.

But they looked as though they would have to settle for a point thanks to Reuben Jerome’s equaliser early in the second half.

The Blues, with no fans there to back them due to the new Covid restrictions, then defended superbly to keep the home side at bay.

And they were within touching distance of a fitting reward for their efforts until the impressive Jerome popped up again at the death to claim his second of the game and make sure it was Workington who remained undefeated to climb above the Blues into second spot in the North-West Division.

The Blues were unchanged from Saturday’s FA Trophy success at Dunston for their second long trip in four days to face further opposition likely to be at the business end of the table when it matters.

Workington had been 10 points clear at the top of the table when last season was curtailed due to the Covid outbreak.

And after dropping points in the opening weeks of the current campaign three successive wins had lifted the Cumbrians among the early pacesetters.

Their momentum was reflected in a lively start which brought an early opening for ex-Blues midfielder Brad Carroll, who failed to connect in front of goal.

But having weathered the initial spell of pressure Clitheroe grew into the contest and carried a threat on the break as widemen Terry Cummings and Cole Lonsdale got forward well to provide a supply line from the flanks and Craig Hobson was an ever-willing target.

And it was from a typical counter-attack that the Blues earned the set-piece that led to the opening goal.

A trip on Conor Gaul allowed ex-Red Lonsdale to fire in a free-kick goalkeeper Ben Ascroft failed to hold.

Gaul did well to work the loose ball back across goal and after Billy Priestley’s effort had been blocked, defensive partner Smalley followed up to force the ball home with 22 minutes gone.

The outstanding Gaul was to get another sight of goal following another surging run from Cummings to fire a shot just wide as the Blues looked to tighten their grip.

And even though Workington worked themselves into several promising positions – often through dangerman Dav Symington – Blues keeper Chris Thompson was never seriously tested before the break.

But with the wind behind them the home side forced the Blues back at the start of the second half and within 10 minutes of the re-start were level.

A double substitution paid off as one of the first touches from Conor Tinnion saw him thread a lovely pass through to Jerome, who buried the chance with a smart finish.
Jerome then burst into the box with another run ended by Priestley’s timely tackle as the Reds threatened again.

But the Blues stood firm to keep Workington at arm’s length before Priestley again popped up at the other end to almost restore the lead with a volley from Gaul’s corner which flew just past the post.

Gaul then shot wide on the break in the last minute but just when it looked as though Clitheroe had done enough to extend their unbeaten start, Jerome pounced in injury time, finding space in the box to fire home a dramatic winner and end the Blues’ run.

Workington: Ashcroft, Kelly (Clarke 54), Brockbank, Wordsworth, Smith, Casson, Symington (Bowman 76), Carroll (Tinnion 54), Jerome, Allison, Hubbold. Substitutes: Wooding-Holt, Potts.

Clitheroe: Thompson; Smalley, Priestley, Muir; Cummings, Dent (O’Neil 65), Stopforth, Lonsdale, Gaul; Adams (Gooden 55), Hobson (Wilkins 80). Substitutes: Foulds, Pilkington.

Attendance: 400