The story behind the picture – Dragons slay Reds
When this photograph was taken prior to Reds’ FA Trophy Third Round tie versus Wrexham on 31 January, 2009, it became one of many insignificant photos taken at Borough Park.
Looking at it now, eleven years later, it is rather poignant from a Workington perspective because our skipper Tony Hopper is no longer with us following his sad passing in 2018.
But I would imagine Wrexham captain, Neil Taylor, and the referee, Andy Halliday, will reflect on their success in the game with pride since that cold winter’s afternoon in Workington.
Neil moved to Swansea City and eventually on to Aston Villa, not to mention the 43 caps he won playing for Wales.
Andy, who has been in the Army for over thirty years, has been an assistant referee in the Premier League for fifteen years and also officiated in the 2015 Cup Final at Wembley. He was also the proud recipient of an MBE a couple of years ago for services to football.
Back to the match and, prior to kick-off, Tony presented Neil with a commemorative plaque marking Wrexham’s first visit to Borough Park for forty years.
Jonny Wright opened the scoring with a 72nd minute goal but Dean Saunders’ side bagged three late goals to secure a rather flattering 3-1 victory.
