Borough Park memories

Today marks the 68th anniversary of Workington’s historic FA Cup 3rd Round tie v. Matt Busby’s Manchester United team at Borough Park.

Many consider it to be the greatest day in the club’s history when a record crowd of 21,000 somehow squeezed into the ground to witness a gallant effort against the then First Division champions and our European Cup representatives that season.

Reds had reached the Third Round after two high scoring victories earlier in the competition, 8-1 v. Crook Town in the first and 5-1 at Oldham Athletic in the second.

Workington’s League form wobbled a bit throughout December in the build up to the big game, although they obtained three points from the Christmas Day/Boxing Day double-header against Carlisle United, a draw at Brunton Park and a home victory twenty-four hours later.

United had played Luton Town at home and away on the 25th and 26th of December and, like Reds, recorded a home win and an away draw.

The week before the eagerly awaited cup-tie, Workington lost at home to Rochdale whilst United drew at neighbours, Manchester City.

Workington opened the scoring through Clive Colbridge and were still in front at half time, but United recovered and a Dennis Violett hat-trick saved their blushes as they emerged comfortable 3-1 winners.

Reds scorer, Clive Colbridge (right), and Bill Foulkes

The gate receipts from the game amounted to £2,236 (United’s hotel and rail fares came to £73 and ten shillings) with each club banking a cheque for £678.