A Fundraising boost has put Workington Reds in a stronger position to make it through their centenary season, it could not come at a more crucial time, the club say as a positive Covid-19 test demonstrates the febrile situation.

Football fans across the world donated to the club’s Save Shankly’s Reds Crowdfunder appeal, which closed this week. That appeal alone raised £15,000 for the club.

Reds fans had already raised enough money to get the new season up and running, and a streamed recreation of Workington’s 1958 match against the Busby Babes also raised thousands towards the survival fund.

But the Covid-19 pandemic had forced many sponsors to withdraw support, and with no sign of fans returning to the Borough Park turnstiles, an extra fundraising push was needed.

Fans of Premier League champions Liverpool were asked to support the Reds of Workington as the two clubs share a common bond in their former manager, the legendary Bill Shankly.

Not only did Liverpool fans from around the world respond to the rallying cry, supporters of struggling clubs like Bury and Wigan also got behind the campaign.

Workington Reds chairman Les Byers said that the generosity of football fans could not come at a more crucial time.

"We are delighted with the grand total.

"We've raised around £45,000 over the Summer which secures our future going forward."

However, the club are looking to the future with cautious optimism.

A pre-season friendly against Carlisle United which was planned to take place behind closed doors today fell out after a First Team player tested positive for coronavirus.

Workington AFC were set to host the Chris Beech's League Two side at the Borough Park ground in Workington before the friendly was called off for safety reasons.

Workington's First Team held a Covid-19 contact tracing session on Tuesday which returned a positive test for one player. The Reds player who had tested positive for coronavirus was asymptomatic at the time.

Les Byers said: "It just shows how fragile this will be going forward."

A spokesperson for Workington Reds said: "The Reds and Blues under-18 fixture, which was to be played tonight at Creighton Rugby Club, has also been cancelled with safety once again the first and foremost consideration.

"We have moved quickly to ensure that the safety of our staff, players and those of United remains paramount."

Support funds from the fans provide a safety net for the club, should the UK be plunged into another full lockdown.

Mr Byers said: "It's integral to the life of the club going forward that we have those funds available in these uncertain times.

Only the player who tested positive is required to self isolate.

Mr Byers said: "Safety is the priority. The advice we've received is if our players test negative, the match against Whitehaven on Tuesday will probably go ahead."