Craig Johnston - The story so far.
With 'Johnno' down in the dumps at the prospect of a lengthy lay-off, it might be a good time to highlight his massive contribution to the Reds' cause.
Debut
Joined us from Carlisle United where he had been a regular scorer at junior and youth level. Craig made his Reds debut against Gretna in a Unibond League fixture at Borough Park on 27 March, 2001 wearing the number 9 shirt in the following line-up:
Wolfe, Gray, Green, Barr, Williamson, Jones, Milne, Skelton, JOHNSTON, Murray, Redhead.
Subs: Carr, Moffat and Johnson.
First goal
Was scored in January, 2002 - a fine effort - in a 4-0 home win against Farsley Celtic.
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Record sequence
Towards the end of the 2002-03 season, between 17 March and 26 April, Craig scored in nine consecutive league games to establish a club record. The scoring spree went as follows: 2 v. Stocksbridge PS (away), 1 v. Stocksbridge PS (home), 1 v. Trafford (away), 1 v. Bishop Auckland (home), 2 v. Ossett Town (away), 1 v. Spennymoor United (home), 1 v. Farsley Celtic (away), 2 v. Kendal Town (home) and 1 v. Lincoln United (away).
Cumberland Senior Cup Final squad 2006-07
Emergency goalkeeper
Has played three times as an emergency goalkeeper deputising for either Neil Thompson or Adam Collin who had been sent-off.
Awards
Has been nominated Clubman of the Year on two occasions, 2001-02 and 2003-04, and National Supporters' Club Player of the Year in 2005-06. He picked up the Nationwide North Player of the Month in September, 2006.
Craig in action at Borough Park
Reserves
Netted 17 for the Reserves during the 2000-01 campaign including 5 in an 8-0 win over Whitehaven Miner Welfare. In three Lancashire League games during the '03-04 season, he bagged 4 v. Chorley Reserves, 3 v. Marine Reserves and 3 v. Leigh RMI Reserves. In total, netted 33 goals for Reds' second string.
Top scorer
Was joint top scorer with Matt Henney in 2003-04 and topped the charts for the next three seasons:
2003 - 04 12
2004 - 05 19
2005 - 06 12
2006 - 07 20
Reds squad 2007-08
Hat-trick
Having scored hat-tricks in two friendlies, including one in a 5-2 win over Gretna at Raydale Park, he obtained his first in the league at Spennymoor United in February 2005 helping Reds to a 5-1 victory. It included a three-times taken penalty! Scored a hat-trick on his 24th birthday in a 9-0 Cumberland Cup win at Mirehouse two years ago.
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Skipper
Captained the side on 14 occasions including 12 during the 06-07 season.
Craig in action against Consett in the FA Cup
Stretchered-off
At Prescot Cables four years ago having earlier scored in a 4-1 success. More recently v. King's Lynn, of course.
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Sent-off
For the first and only time this season (v. Farsley Celtic).
Reds squad 2008-09
200th League game
At Vauxhall Motors earlier this season - came close to marking the occasion with a goal only to see a shot rebound off the bar. Along with Ian, became the first 'father and son' combination to play 200 league games for the club.
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Scored in a final
Netted in the Unibond League President's Cup Final (second leg) v. Barrow and scored the winning goal in the Cumberland Cup Final v. Carlisle United at Brunton Park. In the Unibond Promotion Play-off Final, converted the first penalty in the spot-kick decider against Farsley Celtic.
Craig in action against Farsley Celtic
Appearances and Goals
Played in 240 league and cup games for Reds plus a further 94 as a substitute scoring 86 goals in the process.