The story behind the picture – Smudger’s century recognised

John Smith became Reds’ most prolific marksman during the eighties, scoring 22 goals in each of his first three seasons with the club, before becoming the first player during the non-league era to register a soccer century.

He reached the personal milestone on Sunday 31 March, 1985 with a first half strike v. Matlock Town in a Northern Premier League fixture – his 100^th Workington goal coming towards the end of his fifth season at Borough Park.

To recognise the feat, John was presented with an engraved bronze boot by Joan Crellen, the secretary of the Workington Reds Supporters’ Association, after the match.  The late Ken Little, a member of the Association, is also pictured with John and Joan.

John’s century, including twenty-three penalties, consisted of 84 League goals, 6 League Cup, 8 FA Cup and 2 in the FA Trophy.

He would eventually score 110 competitive goals for Reds plus a further ten in pre-season matches.