MATCH PREVIEW: Attendance, performance or the result

From a Workington perspective, what is the most important aspect of the annual pre-season encounter against our EFL neighbours, Carlisle United?

In all probability, there would be a different answer from the chairman, the manager, his coaching staff and players and, finally, the supporters who watch from the terraces.

The chairman will be hoping for a bumper gate to help cover some of the summer costs and bills, the management team and playing staff may fear the worst but, at the same time, will be hoping to produce a competitive performance whilst the loyal fanbase will be praying for a shock result and a rare home win.

The fact is that all three commodities are important to the club and we are forever grateful to all at CUFC for fulfilling this summer fixture.  This was particularly so twelve months ago when a 1,500 attendance passed through the gates to considerably boost our coffers!

United usually prove too strong for Reds on the grass and have scored three times in each of their last seven visits, whilst recording straightforward victories in the process.  In reply, Workington have netted just twice in that period with Conor Tinnion (2016) and Kieran Maguire (2018) having the consolation of scoring against United.

We have to flick back to 2013 for the last time United weren’t successful with that encounter, doubling as David Hewson’s testimonial game, finishing all square after a 1-1 draw.

Paul Simpson’s squad will complete their Cumbrian tour this afternoon having already attracted attendances of 1,030 and 651 to Penrith and Kendal Town, respectively.  They have scored eleven goals so far, without reply, and will be hoping for more at Borough Park before their friendly schedule ramps up several notches with matches against St. Mirren, Rochdale and Stockport County.

There will be plenty of familiar faces on duty with Gavin Skelton, Billy Barr and Jake Simpson all part of United’s first team staff and the quintet of Sam Hetherington, Taylor Charters, Jake Allan, Aran Fitzpatrick and Josh O’Brien all having loan spells with us in the recent past.

One individual’s absence will be sadly noticeable following the recent passing of Andrew Jenkins, the long-standing, former director and chairman at Brunton Park.  He was a wonderful ambassador for Carlisle United and Cumbrian football and a well-respected figure throughout the land.

Members of the Jenkins’ family will attend the game and a tribute will take place just prior to kick-off.

It will be Mark Fell’s first experience of the Cumbrian derby and he is looking forward to the match as well as the occasion.

He will field a similar squad to the one on duty in midweek and several of those learned their trade at Carlisle United, of course.

So, will there be a repeat of the recent General Election outcome with the Reds celebrating or will the Blues retain their power?  Actually, there won’t be much red or blue on display because United will be playing in their mint, navy and pink change outfit whilst Workington will be wearing their new, various shades of grey, third strip for the first time.

Numerous fans from Cumbria (Reds and United supporters) will miss the game as they head to Berlin for Sunday’s Euros final but for those who are attending it will be the normal 3pm kick-off.

Admission:
Adult   £10       
Concession   £6
16 – 18 year-olds   £2
U16s   free

There will be no programme issued for this game.