Workington Reds Ladies bowed out of the Argyle Sports Cup in gallant fashion at the weekend when they lost on penalties to visitors Altrincham Ladies.

The second round tie took place last Sunday with Workington going into the game on a four match unbeaten run in all competitions.

Altrincham FC Ladies are currently second on goal difference in Division One South and they began quickly, advancing on the Reds defence with menace and purpose in the opening exchanges.

And it was the visitors who got the first goal as midfielder Chloe Henderson was caught in possession just outside of the area, with the Altrincham attacker Megan Rowley clinically placing the ball past a diving Laura Miller.

Reds started to come more into the game and were soon back on level terms as Jessica Reynolds latched onto a through ball before lifting it over the onrushing keeper.

Workington then took the lead after a short goal kick from Altrincham was passed back to the keeper with Hayley Bracken in pursuit.

As the keeper came sliding out she appeared to handle the ball resulting in a free kick inside the penalty box.

Henderson rolled the ball into the path of Linzi Donaldson to fire into the corner past a statuesque keeper.

Altrincham had more of the possession applying pressure to the Reds defence, while Workington looked to break quickly with Bracken and Reynolds non-stop running up front.

The Reds held out going in 2-1 at half time.

It was more of the same in the second half as Altrincham looked for an equaliser, with Reds looking dangerous on the break.

After some stalwart defending from Reds, with Miller pulling off save after save when needed, the defence was eventually breached.

A ball down the wing was then played into Laura Kelly to finally score the Altrincham equaliser.

Both sides then went all out for the winner with the final quarter being played at a frantic end to end pace, as Reynolds, Bracken and Megan Hay all went close for Reds.

But the score remained 2-2 at full-time and it was down to the lottery of penalties to separate the teams with Altrincham holding their nerve to narrowly win the shoot-out 5-4.