ON THIS DAY: 12 February – Ever present keeper & first victories
Workington have been blessed with a number of talented goalkeepers over the years, several of whom have represented us on the 12th February in the past…….
2011 Alfreton Town (home) 0-0 It took Aaran Taylor a while to establish himself as Reds’ number one having to contend with the likes of Adam Collin and Tony Caig as senior rivals. But his patience was rewarded and he eventually took his chance with 2010-11 being his breakthrough season.
He kept a clean sheet against Alfreton Town (featured), who went on to win the Blue Square Bet North title amassing 92 points, and would clock-up 292 appearances for Reds – many as skipper.
2005 Bridlington Town (away) 0-0 Adam Collin was in his first season with the club and was untroubled in this drab goalless draw on the east coast. It was such a poor game that Reds’ first serious shot on target was recorded in the 88th minute and, even then, it came from Will Varty.
Adam would go on to captain the side and made 240 appearances before returning to the professional ranks. Currently with Kettering Town.
2000 Lincoln United (home) 4-0 This was Reds’ first win against Lincoln’s other team at the eighth attempt. Brian Dawson started and completed the scoring with Marc Green and Wayne Johnson finding the target in between.
Keeping goal for Reds at Borough Park that day was John Armfield, son of the late Jimmy. John played less than twenty games for the club but served us well that season when the need for an experienced ‘keeper arose.
1994 Mossley (home) 1-1 A spectacular headed goal from Martin Henderson, his 17th of the season, salvaged a point in a NPL First Division encounter. Mossley had held a half time lead with a deflected shot which left Lee Copeland helpless.
Lee appeared for Reds on 319 occasions – more than any other ‘keeper throughout the non-league era.
1977 Southend United (home) 0-3 Mike Rogan was in his eleventh and final season as Workington’s keeper and captained the side in the home match against Southend. He couldn’t do anything to prevent another home defeat with the Essex boys easing to their first ever win in West Cumbria.
1972 Reading (away) 0-0 A rare point at Elm Park was due in no small part to another Mike Rogan clean sheet – one of 23 in what was arguably his best season at the club.
An ever-present over three seasons, Mike turned out for Reds 424 times – a club legend without a doubt!
1955 Barnsley (away) 1-3 The Oakwell club were on their way to the Third Division (North) title although the Cumbrian Reds gave a good account of themselves with Jimmy Dailey scoring our goal. In goal for Workington was Malcolm Newlands who was into his third of eight seasons with the club. The popular Glaswegian made 266 appearances for Reds throughout the fifties.
