Workington Reds Ladies have secured the services of proven goal-scorer Sarah Smith as they look for a strong second half of the season.
Sarah, formerly a striker at local North West Women’s Regional League Division 1 North rivals Penrith AFC Ladies, is a proven goal scorer, bagging 24 league goals last season and in doing so claiming the accolade of top goal scorer for her club.
Surprisingly, Sarah hails from Workington but has played most of her football outside of the town’s boundaries. In her junior career, she played for Northbank and Penrith Juniors before signing for the Penrith First team. She has spent ten years at the club.
When asked what had attracted her to the Reds Ladies, Sarah said: “It’s clear to see that the Reds Ladies are a club that have experience great growth in recent seasons.
“I was very impressed with their match day set up at the Fibrus Community Stadium and their relationship with Workington Town Rugby Club is enabling them to promote the Ladies game not only in the town but in the North West region.
“I know most of the lasses having played against them over the years, and I’ll be honest in saying I didn’t know what to expect when I started training with the squad, but they couldn’t have welcomed me more warmly.”
On Sarah’s signing, manager Paul Mackenzie said: “Sarah approached us just before Christmas and the full bloodied nature of her style of football and battles against our players in the past, did make me wonder how the squad would take to her joining us.
“However, I was delighted by the reaction of the players and their acknowledgement of Sarah’s qualities along with their keenness to have her on board.
“With regard to her ability, the stats speak for themselves, she brings pace, bite, drive and a natural ability to find the back of the net. I think she’ll be a huge success at the club and the move is an exciting one for all concerned.”
The Reds Ladies are back in league action on Sunday after the Christmas break as they travel to the UCLan Sport Facility to face a strong Preston North End Ladies.
On the fixture, Mackenzie said: “We showed great resolve in our last game of 2023, with a depleted squad fighting to secure three points away to Penwortham.
“The Christmas break came at a good time for us as the Ladies gave their all in that game and we picked up a few niggles. As well as these players recovering, we also welcome back our captain Naomi Foster, who has been out injured for our last three matches.”
