As North Wales Crusaders travel to Workington Town in their opening match of the League 1 season this Sunday, we take a look at some of the memorable matches between the two sides over the years.
Crusaders and Workington have come head-to-head on seven occasions in total.
Workington 10-11 Crusaders – May 25, 2014
During Crusaders’ only season in the Championship to date, Jamie Durbin kicked a drop-goal in the 79th minute to earn the Welsh side a dramatic victory.
Tries from Stuart Reardon and Stephen Bannister, with Connor Farrell replying for Town, gave North Wales a 10-6 half-time lead.
Although a Callum Phillips try late in the second-half pegged the score back to 10-10, Durbin came up with the all-important play.
Crusaders 8-12 Workington – July 27, 2014
Workington got their revenge for the agonising 11-10 defeat to Crusaders earlier in the season.
This time, it was the visitors who struck late as Graeme Mattinson grabbed a try on the full-time hooter to clinch the win.
North Wales thought they’d won it when Jono Smith had crossed in the 72nd minute, but there was one last twist.
Crusaders 24-25Â Workington – June 11, 2017
Despite leading 18-14 at half-time, Crusaders ended up losing to Workington and it was Carl Forber’s drop-goal that proved to be the difference.
Tries from Corey Lee, Jack Houghton and Tommy Johnson had set up North Wales’ half-time lead, with Alex Davidson crossing in the second-half.
However, it wasn’t enough and Crusaders lost out by just the single point.
Warren Thompson carries the ball forward for Crusaders in their 20-12 defeat at Workington Town last season
Although Crusaders face Workington this weekend, the opening home match of the season is against Oldham on March 3. The club have launched #CHALLENGE800 and there are plenty of ways you can get involved.
Keep up-to-date with what’s happening at North Wales Crusaders on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
