Duckworth began his career with Accrington Stanley, but made his league debut in the first season after the first world war for Blackburn Rovers. He played 5 times in the league for Rovers before joining Aberdare Athletic. Joe went on to play for Brighton & Hove Albion and York City.
He later played in goal for Reading, where he won a Division 3 South title in 1926. His winner"s medal was found in 1991 at a car boot sale in Manchester. He also played in Reading"s FA Cup run to the 1927 semi final against eventual winners Cardiff City, and a Cup win against league leaders Sheffield Wednesday in January 1929, where he was singled out for particular praise.
