Dramatic scenes as Workington Reds heroes bow out in style

The swansong of several Workington Reds stars received the perfect ending on a dramatic last day of the season.

Sam Smith, one of a trio of long-serving Borough Park favourites, scored a late winner against Guiseley at Borough Park.

The defender, sent forward for the closing stages, struck in the 88th minute against Guiseley as Reds won their last game of the Northern Premier League Premier Division season 2-1.

It proved a fairytale ending for Smith, who is retiring, as well as team-mates Conor Tinnion and Scott Allison, who are also bringing down the curtain on their hugely respected Reds careers.

It was an emotional - and successful - final game in charge for Danny Grainger (Image: Ben Challis)

And the win ensured a successful sign-off for Danny Grainger in his last game before stepping down as Workington manager.

It had been announced before the game that it would be Smith's last game in a Reds shirt, with joint assistant manager Tinnion and goalscoring legend Allison having earlier confirmed they were retiring at the end of the campaign.

Manager Grainger had announced in February that he would be leaving the top job at Workington, with ex-Lancaster City boss Mark Fell later confirmed as his successor.

Workington celebrate Sam Smith's winner against Guiseley (Image: Ben Challis)

Grainger named the three long-serving stars in his final XI, with the game attracting a 912 attendance.

Steven Rigg put Reds in front before Guiseley's Reece Kendall levelled in the second half.

After Grainger substituted Tinnion and Allison to standing ovations late in the game, Smith then pounced to make it the perfect finish for Workington, who ended 17th in their first season back at NPL Premier level, following 2022/23's promotion.

Top scorer and captain Dav Symington take a selfie with young Reds fans (Image: Ben Challis)

Grainger has said he does not know what his next challenge in football will be, with the former Carlisle United captain to take stock over the summer before considering his next move.

Grainger's other assistant manager, the former Carlisle United midfielder Jamie Devitt, is also set to depart Workington.

New boss Fell is bringing his own backroom staff to Borough Park, including No2 Graham Lancashire, the former Preston North End, Wigan Athletic and Rochdale striker.