West Auckland Town Football Club (1961)

West Auckland Town AFC The Club was founded in 1893 and played their first matches in the Auckland and District League. The following years saw 'West' move around several local leagues until in 1909 they were elected into the Northern league for the first time. The famous 'World Cup' exploits which saw 'West win the Sir Thomas Lipton trophy outright after a second trip to Italy in 1911 also caused them extreme financial problems. This resulted in the club being disbanded in 1912 and the 'World Cup' being sold to pay off debts. Two years later they were back in business and spent the following 20 years moving around the local leagues including a single season, in 1919, in the Northern League, changing their name to St. Helens Utd, for that season only. In 1934 they were once again elected to the Northern League, taking the place of Esh Winning and have retained membership ever since. The club's first honours were gained in 1960, winning the League championship by two points from newcomers Whitley Bay. 1961 was probably the best season in the Club's history, not only was the Northern League championship won by four points from near neighbours and arch rivals Bishop Auckland, 'West' also reached the final of the F.A. Amateur Cup losing 2-1 to Walthamstow Avenue, on their only visit to Wembley.

http://www.westaucklandtownfc.co.uk/

Please find archive material below:

West Auckland players who played in the football league (xls)
The Road to Wembley (xls)
Slide Show to appear shortly.....