On this day – 27 July
Reflecting on the pre-season matches Reds have played on the 27th July in recent years…………
2013
A somewhat disjointed performance and a 3-1 defeat was the outcome of Reds’ trip to the Giant Axe seven years ago with Lancaster City looking more like a team than we did.
Tom Kilifin, later to become a Workington player, scored twice in the opening half hour to confirm City’s superiority in a poor game and, even though Jonny Wright’s header reduced the arrears before half time, we conceded a third after the break.
City were managed by Darren Peacock (pictured with Gavin Skelton) at the time and one his coaching staff that day was former Reds’ boss, George Norrie.
2012
The Opening Ceremony of the London Olympics clashed with Reds’ home game against Barrow with the consequences a very poor attendance for the Friday night fixture.
Those who stayed away didn’t miss much as the game petered out to a goalless draw.
One of several players on trial for Reds that night was the former Morecambe and Barrow striker, Wayne Curtis.
2011
There was a rare pre-season win over Carlisle United on this day nine years ago.
Jonny Wright converted a second half penalty to open the scoring before a Simon Tucker wonder goal clinched a deserved 2-0 victory.
The late Tony Hopper skippered the Reds whilst a young Dav Symington played for the Blues.
2010
Darlington were beginning life in non-league circles following their relegation from the Football League but they proved too strong for Reds at Borough Park.
In their first visit for thirty three years, Darlo scored three goals in the opening fifteen minutes to emerge 3-0 winners.
2005
We hosted a Blackburn Rovers Academy side with Glyn Hodges’ team captained by a very young Gari Rowntree.
The outcome was a repeat of our 1964 League Cup tie against Rovers – a 0-0 draw!
Playing for Reds was Gari’s close friend, Gareth Arnison, and both would enjoy distinguished Workington careers in subsequent years.
2002
Carlisle United included the likes of Lee Andrews, Kyle May and Richard Prokas in their side which won 2-0 at Borough Park eighteen years ago.
Mark Birch and future Red, Michael Dickinson, scored the goals for the Cumbrians.
1995
Reds squandered a 3-1 interval lead at the Falcon Ground, Egremont and had to settle for a 3-3 draw against Windscale.
Gary Messenger scored twice for Reds with Garry Wright bagging his first for the club.
Former Workington players, Clive Heaney, Ronnie Hughes and Ted Kirkbride were in the Windscale side that night, as was a very young Matt Henney.
