Recap
Workington applauded the NPL champions on to the pitch and then spent the rest of the afternoon trying to spoil their promotion party.
And they came ever so close to doing just that, before falling to a ninetieth minute decider.
Macclesfield had to play like champions to get the three points on this occasion, after conceding two goals in a game for the first time in four months.
Reds had scored twice within ninety seconds to establish a shock two goal lead but Robbie Savage’s side restored parity before half time and battered Workington into submission before grabbing a last-gasp winner.
Macc’s third goal in stoppage time epitomised their mental resolve and, just like the earlier meeting at Borough Park, a collective perseverance was rewarded.
Nevertheless, it was a brave effort from Reds and appreciated by their small band of supporters basking in the sun on the terraces.
Danny Elliott and John Rooney both landed shots on target in the early stages but they were comfortably dealt with by Jack Barrett.
Workington’s first attempt at goal was via a David Symington free-kick but that didn’t bother Max Dearnley.
However, his second effort at goal in the twenty-seventh minute had Dearnley in all sorts of trouble. Another free-kick got beyond the wall and the Silkmen’s ‘keeper couldn’t prevent the ball from crossing the line.
The Macclesfield support was still digesting the shock of that goal when the Cumbrians netted a second. Jamie Allen showed great awareness when Macc got themselves in a defensive mess and he pounced to guide the ball into the vacant net.
The joy was short-lived, four minutes in fact. After two close range shots cannoned off the bar in a goal mouth frenzy, Laurent Mendy fired a low effort through a sea of legs and into the net to spark the comeback.
Luke Duffy then saw another thumping shot hit the crossbar before Barrett saved well to keep out Elliott’s shot on the turn.
Reds were under pressure but an isolated attack saw Aran Fitpatrick overlap on the left in a promising position. He went near post instead of far and his shot came to rest in the side netting.
Back came the hosts who got back on terms in first half stoppage time when Elliott converted from close range, with Reds unable to clear their lines.
Frustration got the better of Reds’ management with Mark Fell and Graham Lancashire both yellow-carded for uncomplimentary comments made to the officials.
The first attempt on goal after the restart fell to Josh Galloway and, after doing well to create the opening, he delayed his shot which was subsequently blocked.
Rooney was spraying the ball all over the park and one pass found Tre Pemberton whose spectacular overhead kick was pushed away for a corner by a smart Barrett save.
Barrett was kept busy throughout the second half and thwarted D’Mani Mellor and Mendy with two more important stops while Paul Dawson sent another effort over the bar.
Despite some exquisite passing between the lines, no fewer than eight corners and what seemed almost constant pressure, Macc couldn’t find the winner and Workington appeared to be on target for what would have been a morale boosting draw, displaying brave resistance in the process.
And, having conceded in first half stoppage time, Reds were caught out in the second of six added minutes at the end. Duffy glided infield and laid off the perfect pass for the outstanding Rooney who bagged the late winner with an inch-perfect shot which found the bottom corner of the net.
Even then, Reds almost salvaged a point when Allen broke through but he couldn’t get enough elevation on the ball and Dearnley gathered the ball comfortably.
So, another gallant failure for Reds. They performed well in their games against a magnificent Macclesfield outfit, just falling short on both occasions.
Macclesfield: Dearnley, Pemberton, Lee (Johnson, 61), Rooney, Dawson, Kengni (Gabidon, 72), Etaluku (Fensome, 52), Mendy, De Girolamo (Mellor, 52), Elliott (Savage, 90), Duffy.
Workington: Barrett, Barnes, Fitzpatrick, Pani, Swinglehurst (Strachan, 73), Little, Symington, Jake Allan, Jamie Allen, Galloway, Stephenson (Nugent, 53). Substitutes – Ambrose, Clarke, Mitchell (not used).
Referee: Matthew Langdon
Bookings: Pemberton (Macclesfield), Barnes, Jake Allan, Galloway (Workington)
Attendance: 3,008