ON THIS DAY: 18 January – Arni hat-trick and outfield keepers
Reds have scored plenty of goals on the 18th January in previous years but I doubt there has been a more satisfying result than the one obtained a Burton Albion twenty one years ago…….
Our FA Trophy replay at Eton Park back in 2000 actually finished goalless after extra time but Reds progressed in the competition after winning the penalty shoot-out 4-2. It was the first time we had won on penalties in an away game.
With Brian Clough watching from the stand, Albion and Reds served upan entertaining contest despite the lack of goals with our goalkeeper, John Armfield, keeping us in contention throughout.
It was his finest 120 minutes for Reds which he topped by saving one of Burton’s penalties in the shoot-out.
Albion’s Andy Garner missed the first penalty but Graeme Carr converted to give Reds the lead (0-1). Armfield then saved Terry Henshaw’s kick and Wayne Johnson converted to double our advantage (0-2). Anton Thomas converted for the hosts as did Mathew Henney for Reds (1-3). Nigel Clough scored with his kick which meant Marc Green could win the tie if he converted….he did (2-4).
About sixty Workington fans were amongst the official attendance of 830 – a decent turn-out for a Tuesday evening! Our reward was a trip to Worksop Town in the next round.
In contrast, there were plenty of goals at Borough Park in 1994 when Reds’ first team played Aspatria Spartans in a Cumberland Cup tie under the lights. It proved to be a one-sided affair with Reds emerging 12-0 winners, racking up their biggest County Cup victory for thirty four years!
Six players enjoyed the target practice with Paddy Atkinson leading the way with four goals, Danny Wheatley chipping with a hat-trick, Lee Chambers netting twice with one each for Billy Gilmour, Paul Campbell and Martin Henderson.
Other high scoring wins on this day were achieved in 1958 and 2011, also in front of the Borough Park faithful.
We inflicted a 4-2 defeat upon Wrexham sixty three years ago with Jim Currie (2), Billy Robson and George Aitken sharing the goals in front of a 5,000 crowd.
Not quite as many in attendance for a home clash against Redditch United ten years ago, with just 300 turning up for a Blue Square Bet North fixture on a Tuesday evening.
Those on the terraces witnessed Gareth Arnison’s first hat-trick in the league for Reds plus goals from Kyle May and Shaun Vipond in a comfortable victory.
There was a good away day for a coach load of Workington supporters in 1975 with a late goal at Brentford securing a thoroughly deserved 2-2 draw.
Brentford had twice taken the lead but Dave Murray equalised before half time then Ron Walker did likewise a few minutes before the final whistle to prompt more ‘singing in the rain’ from the long distance travellers.
There wasn’t much celebration at Gainsborough Trinity in 2014, however. Reds conceded two penalties in a 3-0 defeat which culminated in goalkeeper Danijel Nizic, on his debut, and Gavin Skelton being sent off.
Kyle May spent the last hour of the game as an emergency goalkeeper. This time last year, we obtained a 2-0 home success over Marske United thanks to goals from Nathan Waterston and Scott Allison.
