Welcome to the Visitors
Page 10
West Auckland have a unique history - they are double World Cup winners! In 1909 and 1911 the mining side travelled the lengthy and expensive journey to Italy and beat their club opponents to win the Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy, also dubbed football's first World Cup. 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.The success was due to a good start to the season and to fine teamwork, for which their reputation was beginning to grow. The same season saw them reach the quarter final stage of the F.A. Amateur Cup drawing 1-1 at home but losing 2-0 at Hendon. 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 at Wembley. For the next 30 years 'West' had very barren times until 1991 when they won the 2nd Division championship gaining promotion to the 1st Division, where they remained for six seasons until relegation in 1996/97. 'West' quickly bounced back in 1997/98 when they finished runners up.