On Saturday, we return to league action when last season’s runaway leaders Workington AFC travel down to West Yorkshire to face the #OrangeArmy. The last time we faced Workington was the game before lockdown up at Borough Park where shaking of hands wasn’t allowed before the game but it was after the game! 9 months down the line and it’s all change where 600 fans were in attendance at Borough Park whereas now due to Tier 3 restrictions, we can only host up to 200 spectators at The Yorkshire Payments Stadium and to preview the game tomorrow, we caught up with young defender Sam Reed who has made a good impression on the coaching team in his first full season as a first team player.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back into league action on Saturday. In the second lockdown, I didn’t know what to do with my Saturdays so it’ll be good to be back playing again as it’s something that I enjoy doing. It’s been great breaking into the first team this season and trying to stake a place every week. Last season I only made a few appearances as I was still only very young and then I had an injury at the start of 2020 that kept me out for a while but playing games regularly this season has been a great test for myself and another step forward to help me progress as a player. We’ve got some good characters in the dressing room so the atmosphere ahead of the game is positive and great to be around.”
Sam understands the test that is coming up on Saturday but believes he is ready for it and having his dad around as assistant manager has helped him become the player he is now.
“It’s going to be a very big challenge as Workington are a great team but if we do things right, we have every chance to cause them problems and be on the positive end of the result come 4:50pm on Saturday. I’ve been coached by my dad most of my life so I’m quite used to it by now but he has been a massive influence and has always pushed me to try and get the best out of me.”
Sam had a final word to talk about his hopes for the season and the return of fans on Saturday.
“My hopes for this season is that we turn around the start we have had to the season and propel up the table so we can challenge for a play-off spot and I believe we have the players and the characters to do so. It’s going to be great to have the fans back in the stadium as they give all the players a boost on the pitch and they can be the 12th man come Saturday at 3pm.
