Style made way for substance as AFC Telford United ground out a hard-fought victory at Workington.

This was far from a vintage performance from Andy Sinton’s side but they dug deep to nullify the power of their Cumbrian hosts.

In the end it was one moment of quality that proved decisive, Sean Newton with a super 19th minute free-kick to net all three points. Newton got his chance after a needless handball by Workington defender Lee Andrews on 19 minutes.

And the left-back gratefully accepted the gift, curling a delightful 25-yard strike that climbed over the defensive wall and dipped into the bottom corner.

Telford had to cope with the loss to injury of first choice strike duo Adam Proudlock and Andy Brown, handing a first start of the season to Danny Carey-Bertram.

It was to be a frustrating night for forwards though, with much of the action being played out in a congested midfield.

Workington’s best spell came in the 10 minutes after going behind, Phil McLuckie thudding a 30-yard shot against the bar and David Hewson twice going close with further long range efforts.

“We didn’t keep the ball particularly well but to come to Workington on a Tuesday night and get a win is a good result,” said Sinton.

“If you analyse the game and ask how many saves our goalkeeper Ryan Young had to make, the answer is none.

“They pummelled us with long balls but we dealt with that. We went with the only 16 players we had available and credit to the boys because they held on.”

Telford created just one chance from open play, that coming early in the second half when Jon Adams released Carl Rodgers.

The midfielder had a clear run in to goal but his shot was turned away by keeper Aaran Taylor.

Workington saw plenty of the ball in the final half hour but never looked like finding a way through.

And Sinton sought to further shore up the game by replacing loan winger Lee Smith with midfielder Courtney Pitt as the clock counted down.

Greg Mills was brought on to announce his return three minutes from time, but the Derby man’s first contribution was to collect the only booking of the night.

That was a minor irritation but the final whistle was a major source of delight. Telford’s promotion bid is back on track.

By CHRIS HUDSON