Workington Reds are looking to pull five more 1,000-plus crowds before the end of the season.
Chairman Dave Bowden had targeted a four-figure gate from the start of the season and it was reached at the last home game. Unfortunately Reds lost that one 1-0 to Widnes, to end a 13-match unbeaten run.
It seems to have been the Workington way for 70 years – build a good run of form, excite the public, attract a bumper gate – and then fall flat.
But this time Reds are still in a position to finish the season on a high by winning the NPL West title and with it, promotion to the NPL Premier Division.
They are among three clubs lying joint second to Warrington Rylands, three points behind the leaders but significantly Reds have matches in hand on them all – three on Rylands.
The aim is to finish the season with a bang, although it was somewhat of a damp squib on Tuesday night when they set-off for Bootle only to be told half an hour into the journey the game was postponed.
Now attention turns to Leek Town on Saturday, a tough test against the team currently lying third, level on points with the Reds but from two extra games.
Then Reds will get back to Borough Park on Saturday, March 19 – the day after the centenary dinner in the Washington Hotel.
The club is hoping for another bumper crowd, especially as they will be hosting a very special guest, as well as some of the former players who will be attending the dinner.
Gary McKee, West Cumbria’s very own Marathon Man, is attending the game and Reds have promised to make a donation to his charities based on the number of people who come through the turnstiles.
If the match can attract another 1,000 spectators the club will give 50p a person to Gary’s charities – Macmillan Cancer Support and Hospice at Home West Cumbria.
He is currently on his remarkable effort to run a marathon a day for every day in the year and already in just over two months has raised £50,000.
Also at that game there’s going to be a special offer for workers in the NHS, emergency services, armed forces and social care sector. They can get into the game for a fiver if they show their Blue Light Card.
Meanwhile Reds have also announced that they are teaming up with Community Club App.
Leading the project will be Lewis Wright, on behalf of the Reds, and Stuart Holmes, of Community Club App.
Lewis said: “I’m so pleased that the directors have given me the opportunity to help develop this project.
“The app we are providing will provide live news articles, match report and highlights. It will provide a calendar for managing club events, including fixtures and online ticketing, and offer sponsors a professional and dynamic advertising packages.
“Supporters will be able to access and the club’s social media pages in one place.”
Bowden said: “The board of directors have recognised the growing importance of social media and this is a big step forward for the club.”
More details are to be provided in due course.
