Workington Reds star Conor Tinnion insisted the squad are not panicking despite their inconsistent start to the season ahead of tomorrow night's trip to Ashton (7.45pm kick-off).

Reds are on the road at Hurst Cross looking to recover from back-to-back defeats and Tinnion acknowledged that sitting 18th in the league table is not good enough.

But the forward called for calm as his side aim to put a run together to move back into the top half.

He said: "We're not at panic stations yet because a few wins on the trot and it suddenly looks a much rosier picture but we don't want to get dragged into what we're looking at now.

"We won those two games and suddenly you looked at the league and thought it wasn't too bad if we kept going but we need to make sure that wasn't a false dawn.

"We need to make sure it doesn't become accepted that we give away these results.

"It's been frustrating so far this year because I think we've shown glimpses.

"I don't know whether it's a lack of confidence or what but it's been very stop-start.

"It hasn't been good enough and I think quite a few players should hold their hands up, myself included.

"It's no good having one step forward and two back.

"It's always difficult going to Ashton so they'll be difficult to beat but at least the game's coming around quickly.

"We need to start putting a run together or the season's going to be passing us by a bit."

Reflecting on Saturday's first home loss of the season thanks to a second-half Matlock Town penalty, Tinnion conceded that the performance had not been up to scratch.

"It wasn't great," he said.

"I think as much as the result it was the performance.

"If we're being completely honest we didn't create anything.

"I wouldn't say we had loads of chances which has been the case in some games.

"We had enough possession but we never looked dangerous and it was a bit flat."