Red card rules Reds' Anthony out of FA Cup at Harrogate

By Martin Morgan

Last updated 12:26, Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Workington Reds will go in to their FA Cup opener against Blue Square North rivals Harrogate Town without skipper Graham Anthony following his straight red card in Saturday’s 2-1 home win over Solihull Moors.

Graham Anthony: Reds’ playmaker was dismissed in the 75th minute against Solihull

The Saturday, September 27 second qualifying round clash, when £4,500 will be up for grabs to the winner, will mark the start of the midfielder’s suspension after his 75th minute dismissal for using an elbow in a tackle in a challenge with sub Junior English.

Chairman Humphrey Dobie, who thought Anthony a shade unlucky to be sent off, was satisfied with yesterday’s cup draw.

Reds drew 0-0 with Harrogate at Borough Park in their second game of the season, the Yorkshire outfit since going on to mount an early season assault on the top-of-the-table.

They lie second, one point behind Southport after Saturday’s 3-1 win at Stalybridge, nine ahead of Reds.

“When we played them down here, I thought we were at least as good as them in open play,” Dobie said.

“It’s a very difficult draw compared to what we could have had, but at least it is at home. The prize money would be a welcome addition to our coffers, but let’s not count our chickens.”

Reds reached the First Round proper last season, where they were beaten by Bury.