PLAYER SPONSORS

BY DAVID COULTHARD

We delve into the history of this afternoon's visitors, Bridlington Town. Bridlington were formed in 1918 under the guise of Bridlington Central United. Their golden era was undoubtedly in the 1950s, when they won five consecutive league titles and two East Riding Senior Cups, before joining the Yorkshire League in 1959. They were promoted to Division One at the first attempt after finishing as runners up and reached the FA Cup first round the season after. The trophies continued throughout the 1960s with three League Cups and an East Riding Senior Cup added to the collection. They became founder members of the NCEL when the Yorkshire and Midlands Leagues merged.

In 1987, they lost an FA Vase Final replay although they lifted it in 1993 and were also promoted to the NPL Premier Division before folding a year later. That was not the end of the story however as local pub side The Greyhound secured the lease for Queensgate, changed their name to Bridlington Town AFC and were straight back in business.

After three successive promotions, Brid regained their NPL Premier Division status but were soon relegated back to the NCEL. Town continued to play in the NCEL until they were promoted to the Pitching In Northern Premier League based on points per game.