Workington Town are appealing to the bumper crowd who witnessed their display against York to keep backing them.

Over 1,600 packed Derwent Park last Sunday to see Town come within a whisker of toppling League One leaders York City Knights.

And with just three games remaining to secure a play-off berth, Town officials say returning fans can make all the difference.

“We were wanting to see a crowd that was around what we would get for the Haven derby which is usually our benchmark figure,” said Town vice-chairman Malcolm Allison. “But we blew it out of the water by about 400 more.

“Everyone at the club was really pleased to see a big crowd at Derwent Park. The atmosphere was like the old days – and it really lifts the players on the pitch.

“When we have gone away this season, we have had some really noisy support as well and Leon [Pryce] has said it really helps the lads and gives them a lift when they need it.

“Now we are coming into the real business end of the season and both home and away support is vital.

“I believe we have a really good following going over to Newcastle on Saturday.

“But we would really plead with all those supporters who came back for the York game and enjoyed the occasion, to please come again.

“Come down and watch us against London Skolars on September 16 at Derwent Park and let’s get it rocking again.

“These are really crucial games that we need to get into the play-offs and support is vital.”

Town went strong on a social media campaign ahead of the York clash, with help and advice from their Knights counterparts - and it paid off.

Allison said the club knew the importance of the game being first versus third so they planned a two-week concerted effort to bump up the crowd.

“It was a top-of-the-table cracker and the more people that come down, the better the income for us and the better the product on the pitch,” he explained.

“The club decided to go strong on social media, because it is so instant and not costly, with our volunteers stepping up to help.

“We worked with York a while ago to get their feedback on how they did it with Toronto so what we wanted was a social media campaign that was edgy and humorous. A rolling programme every day to promote the game.

“And it helps when the opposing team interacts with us on social media and is up for this humorous approach, a bit of banter keeps the game to the forefront.

“We got some legends to help us promote it on video, Catalans Dragons stood and wished us luck with the Challenge Cup and Eddie Hearn did a short piece.

“We also did some daft work trying to pick up on the news of the day, with Theresa May dancing in Africa to the sound of ‘Up the Town’. And it all worked.”

The club was hit after the match with a break-in and vandalism to the club offices and shop and Allison said the best way to help is to continue to come down to game.

“Any people who want to support the club after the recent break in can do so by supporting the guys on pitch and giving money on the gate to help us rebuild our offices and shop,” he added.

“A team of volunteers have been down tidying up and we thank them for their efforts as we move forward again.”