Dave Hewson knew his side should have clinched their place in today’s FA Trophy draw without the need for a replay tomorrow night.

For the second time this season Reds threw away a two-goal lead away from home, and have it all to do against Newcastle Town at Borough Park.

Hewson said: “We have enough experience in the team to have seen that game through. It goes without saying that we are all disappointed we couldn’t get the job done on the day.

“There’s no way of sugar-coating this because we should have done a lot better in the second-half and things need to improve,” said Hewson.

Earlier in the season Reds had gone 2-0 ahead at Basford but eventually lost the Evo Stik Premier League game 3-2.

This time at Newcastle Town in the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy – with £4,000 for the winners – Reds led 2-0 at the break, and also missed a penalty.

But two second-half goals, the equaliser coming on 86 minutes, mean the teams have to square-up again.

Jason Walker had not been expected to play after suffering a head injury at Mickleover the week before. But he had clearance from his doctor to start.

He also took responsibility again for penalties, despite shooting wide from the spot at Mickleover, and this time he saw his effort saved at full stretch by the home keeper. He still had a chance from the rebound but again was denied by a brave block.

“There were other chances, too, for us to put the game beyond Newcastle but like a lot of games this season we couldn’t finish.

After tomorrow night’s replay, Reds have a massive League game at Borough Park on Saturday when they entertain a Grantham side who are in free-fall.

It’s the proverbial six pointer with Workington currently next to bottom.