TEAM GAZ   2   TEAM JOHNO   3

This was a reunion with a difference as a small army of former Reds players turned out in force for three good causes.

Included were several in the 60 years, plus, bracket plus a few still playing at various levels but, overall, a wonderful array of former managers, the record appearance holder, prolific goal scorers, sturdy defenders, midfield maestros and popular Workington heroes from years gone by.

And just to highlight the retro feel, the two teams, were smartly turned out in the mid-nineties ‘Big Breakfast’ kit which was familiar to many of those who played in the original red and blue outfits thirty years ago.

Hospice at Home (West Cumbria), motor neurone disease and Young Lives v. Cancer are the three charities which will benefit and a crowd of 400 helped raise over £5,500 on a blustery afternoon at Borough Park.

The players were led on to the pitch by three non-playing legends – Mike Rogan, Vaughn Williams and Paul Doolan with David Hewson skippering Gari Rowntree’s Blues and Conor Tinnion captain of Craig Johnston’s Reds.

Most were still moving quite freely at that point, the majority were limping, crawling and even crying with pain by the finish!

Yet, just like they did in the past, they entertained us – not so much through their slick passing skills, perfectly timed tackles and headers, wonderfully taken goals, great saves and box-to-box runs, more a case of regular ‘hospital’ passes, a good touch having more strength than a shot, some awesome tackles, numerous trips and falls and a general lack of oxygen prompting regular substitutions.  There were no ‘dives’ because everyone knew how difficult it would be to get back up again!    

Scott Allison opened the scoring for Team Gaz but Team Johno equalised soon after through Matt Henney.

A deft header from Ian Milburn restored the Reds’ advantage and Graham Goulding’s rather spectacular finish increased the lead to 3-1.

But the afternoon wouldn’t have been complete had Gareth Arnison not scored and…..he did, netting for the Blues just before the end.

We had a winner but, unknown to FIFA, an impromptu penalty shoot-out took place which produced an exhibition of some of the best (and several of the worst) spot-kicks you will ever see.

Director, Richard Lewthwaite, organised the event and was delighted with the response from supporters and players alike.

“The legends put on a great show and I’m sure it brought back some great memories for players and supporters of all ages.

“Ultimately, the day was an opportunity for the club to remember our wider network and raise a fantastic amount of money in support of charities close to the hearts of three families who have given this club, and others, many hours of their time and commitment over the years.  It’s the very least we can do.”

Lewthwaite added, “Thanks to the players and supporters for making the day a success, not forgetting all of our club volunteers without whom we couldn’t hold events like this.”

Team Gaz: Aaran Taylor, John George, Paul Johnston, Rob Wilson, David Hewson, Gavin Skelton, Lee Andrews, Kyle May, Jonny Wright, Gareth Arnison, Nigel Dustin, Darren Wilson, Robert Ennis, Brian Dawson, Marc Green, Kevin Rowntree, Will Varty, Darren Edmondson, Scott Allison

Team Johno: Jonny Jamieson, Alan Gray, Wayne Johnson, Dan Wordsworth, Craig Potts, Phil McLuckie, John Wharton, James Earl, Conor Tinnion, Mathew Henney, Lee Hoolickin, Ian Milburn, Graham Anthony, Graham Goulding, Jimmy Irving, Aidan Thompson, Billy Gilmour, Anthony Wright.Referees: Tommy Linford, Karl Sanderson, Kevin Young