KICKOFF COUNTDOWN
The Blues followed up their FA Trophy success with an impressive 3–0 away victory over Whitby Town on Saturday. While it was a slow start for Leek, they eventually grew control in the match and began dominating the opposition. Despite early scares from Whitby missing several key chances, the defensive organisation and strength in the goalkeeping position, kept the Blues level until Callum Leigh opened the scoring just before half-time with a superb curling strike.

Following the break the Blues were focused on absorbing pressure, and striking clinically on the counter, with Tunde Owolabi doubling the lead from close range before substitutes combined late on as Connor Heath headed home a third.

Overall, it was a composed and ruthless performance against a side who were sitting fifth in the league prior to the match; however, they have now gone down to seventh. While the confidence in the side should be at its highest so far this season as we move up to 17th in the league, 3 points away from 11th.

Workington AFC head into this fixture sit bottom of the Pitching In Northern Premier League 5 points off safety. They did, however, pick up a draw last time out against 9th placed Warrington Town and are in better form than they have been in for much of the season.
 
The True-Blue Army Will Assemble At?
A home fixture for the blues – The clubhouse and Blues Bites are open, football will be on the telly prior to the match, and ou merchandise will be available to purchase - including the new range of Bob Hats
 
How much to get in?

• Adult - £13
• Concession (over 65) - £9
• 21-18 - £9
• Under 18 - £5
• Under 8s – FREE

You can pay on the gate or get your tickets ONLINE in advance here through FANBASE
  
The Opposition

• Workington AFC– The Reds
• Formed – 1921
• Ground – Borough Park (capacity ~ 3,101)
• Gaffer – Billy Barr

Their website?
Workington AFC

How are they doing?
Currently the Reds sit at the bottom of the pile on 14 points, 6 points behind the Blues. Workington have won just 3 of their 18 league games so far this season, losing 10 and drawing 5. Two of those three wins have come in their last five fixtures, but they are now winless in their last three with two draws and a loss at home versus Guiseley. They also lost 6 nil away at Stockton Town, which has by far been their biggest loss of the season.
 
Their Main Man?
Steven Rigg is a player at the heartbeat of the Reds, combining experience, work rate, and attacking quality to make him one of the most influential players at the club so far in the 2025/26 season despite their struggles. He is a versatile midfielder who can either operate centrally or in advanced areas, Rigg is known for his intelligence off the ball, physical presence, and his ability to arrive late in the box to score crucial goals and is currently their leading goalscorer with 5 goals in this league campaign.
Rigg’s footballing education came in the professional game, having risen through the youth system at Middlesbrough FC, before gaining extensive experience across the non-league pyramid.

Over the years, he has represented a number of clubs across the football pyramid including Hartlepool United, Stockport County, Grimsby Town, and Carlisle United, developing a reputation as a reliable performer at both National League and EFL level. The 33-year-old had also notably played for Chorley where he won the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy in the 2017/18 season.

Other notable players include David Symington who is a talented attacking midfield who has been at the Club for many years and regularly features amongst the goals.

Their Gaffer?
Billy Barr is the current manager of Workington AFC. Appointed recently in 2025, he had earned respect for his calm authority, detailed preparation, and clear footballing ideas. Barr is seen as a modern coach who values structure, fitness, and collective responsibility, and he has worked to create a disciplined but positive environment at Borough Park, blending experienced heads with younger, hungry players.

During his playing career, Barr was a dependable non-league midfielder, known more for his intelligence, work rate, and positional sense. He played across the North West, gaining experience in competitive and physical divisions that demanded tactical awareness and consistency. While not a headline-grabbing player, his understanding of the game and professionalism stood out and helped shape the coach he would later become.

After retiring from playing, Barr moved seamlessly into coaching, focusing on building a sturdy reputation on the training ground. He placed a heavy emphasis on organisation, fitness, and tactical clarity, qualities that had been carried through into his management.

Workington A.F.C.– have we met before?
The Blues have faced the Reds 21 times in recorded history with Leek being the most victorious in this affair as we have won 8, Workington have emerged with a victory 6 times, while points have been shared in 7 draws between the two sides.

Our first meeting was held 1988 where legend Brian Mellor scored the only goal to win the match 1-0. Most recently Leek were once again 1-0 victors in a match at the tail end of last season. Over the 21 matches a total of 40 goals have been scored with nearly a completely even split (19 for Leek and 21 for Workington) and this results in there being slightly less than 2 goals a game.