TWO errors of judgement in defence cost Vauxhall dearly at Rivacre Park on Saturday as they were sucked worryingly close to the relegation battle.

It seemed as if the Motormen had earned themselves a priceless share of the spoils when captain Stephen McNulty converted a 75th-minute penalty to bring the sides level, but nine minutes later they were undone by the play-off hunting Cumbrians.

In a tight first half, Motors went close to opening the scoring when Stuart Whittaker's cross from the right was headed wide of the target by Lee Furlong at the far post.

But Workington grabbed the initiative 10 minutes later when the Motors' defence was guilty of its first mistake. After the home rearguard had failed to deal with a deep free kick from Joe Kendrick, Workington skip-per Steve Birks was able to glance home a simple header.

In the second half, Motors upped the tempo and were thrown a lifeline when substitute Anthony Wright was upended in the area, and the referee pointed to the spot.

McNulty stepped up to a blast a customary penalty past visiting keeper Adam Collin and level the score.

Suddenly, the game opened up as both sides went all-out for the win.

Craig Johnston sliced a decent chance wide of Sean Lake's post and Birks's drilled shot took a deflection to safety, while at the other end Whittaker shot straight at the keeper.

But it was Workington substitute, left-back Gari Rowntree, who caused Motors problems that eventually led to their downf all.

Six minutes from time, his left-wing cross dropped into the box and Motors' defence could only clear the ball to Kendrick, who tapped in to seal the points.

The hosts' failure to clear their lines was the second fatal mistake of a costly afternoon for Carl Macauley's side.

And with third-from-bottom Leigh RMI drawing at Lancaster night, Motors are now just two points away form the relegation zone in the last survival position.

Vauxhall: Lake, Jones, Dames, Griffiths, McNulty, Nesbitt, Smith, Woodyatt, Rooney, Furlong (Wright 58), Whittaker (O'Hare 89). Subs: Longrigg, Spellman, Macauley.

Attendance: 290.