Workington AFC (The Reds) are one of the three Cumbrian teams who have been members of the Football League. They were members from 1951-52 right up until the end of the 1976-77 season when they failed to gain re-election. Although the current club was formed in 1921 there was a former version, who was one of the founding members of the Cumberland Association League in 1888. and winners of the Cumberland County Cup 12 times before disbanding in 1910-11.
Anyway fast forward a decade or so and the current Workington AFC began life in the North Eastern League in 1921-22 where they would remain for much of their early history. Thus began their rivalry with Carlisle United and ironically Carlisle were the Champions that year. They were runners up themselves in 1938-39, and who knows how they would have progressed has WWII not stopped play. Workington had their best FA Cup run during this period reaching the fourth round in 1933-4 thanks to a 4-1 win over Gateshead in round three.
Into The League
1951-2 season saw Workington become League members for the first time replacing New Brighton in the Third Division North and in the 1950s they would play in their highest-profile game ever, against the famed Busby Babes. They even had the audacity to take the lead before succumbing 3-1.
This may have been impressive, however, their biggest achievements were reserved for the League Cup where they reached the Quarter Finals two seasons running. Their 5-1 victory at Blackburn in the third round in 1964-5 will probably remain their greatest 90 minutes.
The following year they had their best league season finishing 5th in Division Three but sadly that was as good as it got and they were relegated the following season and spent the rest of their time in the bottom tier.
Workington AFC More Recently
Workington were relegated from the Northern Premier League Premier Division in 2018-19 and sadly the pandemic ended their chances of bouncing back last year as the season was abandoned. They had 71 points from 31 games at the time and promotion was a realistic prospect. With the season still in disarray thanks to the latest lockdown it is likely that it will be 2021 -22 season at the earliest before Workington AFC begin their climb back up the leagues.
List of Achievements
Football League
- Elected 1951-52 (replacing New Brighton)
- Highest League Finish – 5th in Division Three in 1965-66
- League Promotions – From Division Four in 1963-64 (3rd place finish)
- Best FA Cup Run – Round Four in 1933–34
- Best League Cup Run – Quarter-Finals In 1963-4 & 1964-5
Non-League
- North West Counties League Division One Champions – 1998–99
- Northern Premier League Promotion Playoff Winners – 2004–05
- Cumberland County Cup Winners – 1925, 1935, 1937, 1938, 1950, 1954, 1968, 1986, 1996, 2000, 2007, 2009, 2016 & 2017
- North Eastern League Challenge Cup Winners – 1935, 1937
- Northern Premier League Presidents Cup Winners – 1984
Best Seasons
- North Eastern League – 2nd place 1938-39
- Northern Premier League – 2nd Place 2004-5 & 2014-15
- FA Trophy Round Five 1999-2000
- FA Vase Sixth Round 1998-99
Club Details
Useful information if you are planning to watch a game or just want to keep abreast of things.
Social Media
So there you have it our quick guide to Workington AFC. If you want to see what else Cumbria has to offer you can get back to the Your Cumbria home page here.
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