Darlington 1883

Darlington 1883 FC are a non league football club from County Durham, in the North East of England, having been originally formed in 1883 as Darlington FC. They appointed Charles Samuel Craven as the clubs first secretary as the club moved into their Feethams home which was adjacent to Darlington Cricket Club. The club played friendly games and in the FA Cup and other cup competitions, until 1889 when Craven helped form the Northern League, of which his club became founder members.

'The Quakers' were crowned Northern league champions on two occasions and also semi finalists of the FA Amateur Cup the same seasons, before joining the North Eastern League in 1908. The lifted that league title on two occasions until they were admitted as founder members of the Football League Division Three North. 

In 1925 they were crowned champions and promoted to Division Two. Their spell lasted just two seasons and they ended up having to re-apply for re-election on several occasions afterwards. In 1958 'Darlo' reached the last sixteen of the FA Cup for the second time, when they hammered the league champions of three years previously, Chelsea 4-1 in a Feethams replay.

When the league re-organised the same year, Darlington were placed in Division Four. In 1966 they won another promotion, but they were relegated the following season. During the 1970's The Quakers had to apply to keep their place in the League five times. In 1982 the club nearly folded, but a fundraising effort saved them. he fans were rewarded for their efforts three years later when the team were promoted once more, under the management of Cyril Knowles.

They returned to the bottom tier two years later and worse was to come in 1989 as they lost their League place, despite a late rally from Brian Little's side. The club won an immediate promotion from the Conference and the run continued in the League as they secured successive elevations. 

Little left for Leicester City and relegation followed. Darlo almost regained their place in the third tier the following season but lost out to Plymouth Argyle in their first ever Wembley appearance in the Play Off Final. Soon after this, a new East Stand was built at Feethams with much needed hospitality facilities included.

Reformed criminal turned businessman George Reynolds bought the club with big plans for it. Later that year they went down at Wembley in another Play Off Final, this time to Peterborough United. Reynolds made audacious bids to sign Paul Gascoigne and Faustino Asprilla but neither player eventually signed. In the summer of 2003 the club moved to a new out of town stadium, The Reynolds Arena, which was far too big for the club.

Within six months the club entered administration as the bills attached to the new arena and low crowds crippled the finances. Reynolds resigned as a director in January 2004 with the club on the brink of closure. A benefit game and general fundraising helped save Darlo, with manager David Hodgson in his third spell at the club working wonders on the pitch. 

Reynolds sold the club to Sterling Consortium to take the club out of administration. The new owners took a fan friendly approach in contrast to the abrasive nature of Reynolds. However, in 2006 they sold the club on to property developer George Houghton. After a steady run on the pitch, Hodgson and then Dave Penney were sacked as manager by Houghton. In February 2009 the club once again entered administration. No buyer was found so the administrator released the majority of players, before Houghton returned. 

In May 2009 Houghton brokered a deal that allowed Darlington to come out of administration with local businessman Raj Singh taking over. Both Colin Todd and then Steve Staunton failed in their managerial roles as Darlo were relegated to the Conference. Unbelievably both Simon Davey and then Ryan Kidd left within eleven days of each other as managers of the team leaving Mark Cooper in charge.

In May 2011 a Chris Senior goal at Wembley saw The Quakers lift the FA Trophy after defeating Mansfield Town. The following season saw the team have a poor start so Cooper was given his marching orders. It was apparent for some time that all was not well at the club, with the millstone of a 25,000 seater stadium and dwindling attendances hurting the finances.

Singh told players to find other clubs and in December 2011 Darlington entered administration for the third time. gain the town, the clubs supporters and the local football community did everything that they could to keep the club alive. Interim manager Craig Liddle had to work with a threadbare squad as the club was saved with minutes to spare by the supporters' groups. 

The team were relegated at the end of the season and a CVA was agreed upon. The supporters awaited the required football share from Singh, but they claim they never received it despite re-assurances that they had from the former owner. The FA decided that as Darlington 1883, the supporters club and new owners, had to apply for a new share that they were a completely new club and in accordance with their stringent new rules placed Darlington in the Northern League; a relegation of four divisions.

 

Heritage Park, Bishop Auckland

Meanwhile, it was decided the club could not afford to pay the rent to the owners of the Darlington Arena, as it had been renamed soon after Mr Reynold's departure. Instead The Quakers signed a deal to play at Heritage Park, the new home of Bishop Auckland after cancelling an initial deal to share West Street with Shildon.

The club decided to appeal the decision to demote them. It was heard on Thursday 21st June at Wembley Stadium, but was turned down while they were also ordered to change their club name.

The club knuckled down and took their place in the Northern League and under Martin Gray the team ran away with the league title at the first attempt, gaining promotion to the Northern Premier League.

Darlington 1883 will play in the Northern Premier League Division One North in the 2013-14 season.


My visits

Darlington 2 Scarborough 1 (Saturday 12th September 1987) Division Four (att: 3,187)

I travelled to Scarborough's seventh ever Football League game with two senior Post Office colleagues, Dave Bowman and George Johnson in Dave's car. We were looking for a pub and my two pals were very impressed with my eyesight as I spotted the old red triangle sign of a Bass house across a field. Once refreshed we drove into Darlington and found a parking spot.

Non of us had been before but we followed directions down a very narrow lane, which led to the away end. We were just about to go in but were held up owing to a slight altercation. A Boro fan who had been heavily involved in the shenanigans at the Wolves game was been assisted by members of the local constabulary. It was the last he'd see of a football ground for many months!

I didn't really know what to make of Feethams once inside. It was certainly rustic and had a charm about it, but it was very old fashioned. On our side stood the seated West Stand with a small paddock in front, with a few steps of open terracing at either side. To our right was the open Polum Lane End terrace. Opposite was the small cantilevered covered Tin Shed or Cricket Ground End, which as the name suggests adjoined the cricket ground. Finally on the far side stood the East Stand. This had a seating deck at the rear of a terrace. A small amount of open terracing flanked it.

I don't remember too much about the game apart from Darlo deserving their win, being more physical and quicker. Boro were very much still being put together to Mr Warnock's specifics. Steve Adams was on the mark for Boro.

Darlington 2 Scarborough 1 (Saturday 22nd April 1989) Division Four (att: 2,850)

This defeat was particularly annoying as Darlo eventually finished bottom of the league and were relegated. Boro badly needed three points in their promotion challenge but were out battled by a home side fighting to keep their League status. Brian Little certainly had them fired up. Craig Short netted our consolation.

I went on the mini bus from the Gas Club and Post Office and sat in the West Stand. It was a damp day and the view on the terracing wasn't the best, so with a large Seadog following expected, I treated myself.

Darlington 1 Scarborough 1 (Saturday 6th April 1991) Division Four (att: 3,962)

I travelled to this game away to top of the table Darlo on an early morning mini bus with Bunner and the usual suspects. We travelled up the A1 and stopped at Richmond on the way for beers in the market square. In a sereal moment we passed the ground where local side Eastfield were taking on Richmond in a Teeside League clash. We got out and gave them a shout, much to their astonishment.

We went in some dodgy pubs in Darlo before going in through the turnstiles at the cricket ground and walking around the perimeter of the ground before being led round to the away terrace. Boro did well from what I can remember, with George Oghani netting a penalty to grab a share of the spoils.

However, bad news was just around the corner. My good friend Steve Walker and I had decided to open a book on the Grand National at the Post Office. He reasoned that all the mug punters who couldn't be bothered to go to the bookies would hand over their money to us. I agreed. It did sound a good plan. I rang Steve from the services to hear the horrific news that Steve Johnson, work's betting 'guru' had tipped the winner, Seagram, and all those mug punters had followed him. We lost money and dissolved the business after just the one race!

Darlington 2 Scarborough 3 (Saturday 17th October 1993) Division Three (att: 2,474)

A new title for the league, but still very much the fourth level for this entertaining encounter, which Boro deserved to win with goals from Darren Foreman, John Ashdjian and Mark Jules. The stand out highlight though concerned a Spanish winger playing for the home side. He cheated to win a penalty in front of the away terrace and then looked up laughing at us when the ref pointed to the spot. My Dad went as spare as I'd seen him at a game. We were all pretty narked, but then our anger turned to joy when Stuart Ford saved the penalty. We certainly let our Spanish friend all about it.

I went back with Darren Trapps and waited at the station and getting something to eat before heading down to Hull Fair.  top day out all round.

Darlington 1 Scarborough 0 (Monday 26th December 1994) Division Three (att: 2,958)

Instead of enjoying all the fun of Scarborough on Boxing Day I decided to take the lift on offer with Filey John, Bunner and big Karl. We had to go via Malton to pick Carl Ellis up, but the roads were very quiet, so that didn't pose too many worries. The different route actually made a nice change.

The rain was getting worse as we approached Darlo, but we managed to take refuge in a couple of decent pubs near to the ground. We had been left some tickets from the players and luckily they allowed us entry at the Cricket Ground End and then to walk round. I can't remember exactly how things panned out, but I know most of us definitely me!) got into the West Stand out of the foul conditions, but poor old John didn't.

Not only did Boro lose, he got soaked and let us know about it all the way home. I went out to drown my sorrows up South Cliff.

Darlington 1 Scarborough 2 (Saturday 23rd September 1995) Division Three (att: 2,046)

I met Mick Cammish for a couple of pints at the Home Guard Club before we boarded the Supporters Club coach heading north. I know we got there in time for a couple of pre match pints, where my geography from the previous season came in handy.

Boro put in a decent performance and looked a good side at that point with Don Page and Jason Rockett netting. I remember boarding the coach at full time to hear full time reports and scores on the fledgling Talk Radio, later to become Talksport.

Wednesday 9th January 2008

I was off work for a few days initially to go and watch Scarborough Athletic at Thornaby in the North Riding Senior Cup and to see my parents, but as things transpired I was to stay in Scarborough a little longer to attend the funeral of my old mate Nick Groombridge.

I got off the early morning train to feel the freezing northern air just after the passing the white elephant that was now called the Darlington Arena. I planned to go and visit the non league grounds between Darlo and the coast before heading back to the game, but I couldn't resist a look to see if anything remained of the old football ground. The cricket ground, which once hosted the fixtures of Durham CCC was in fine nick. The  Tin Shed was still there as it doubled up as a sightscreen for the cricketers. However, the terracing had gone. The rest of the sigt was overgrown with slight raised areas where the terracing once stood.

It was a sad sight indeed.


The ground photos in this section have been taken from the internet, except the ones of the dilapidated Feethams. The photos featuring fans come from Dave 'Bunner' Hunter.

Reading

Reading FC, from the county town of Berkshire were formed in 1871 after a meeting at The Bridge Street Rooms called by fixture secretary by Joseph Edward Sydenham. Reading turnes professional in 1895 and moved into their Elm Park home on Norfolk Road. The club were given the nickname of 'The Biscuitmen' as one of the main trades in the town was buscuit making at Huntley and Palmers.

The club were founder members of the Southern League in 1895, and they also fielded a side in the Western League for a period. They suffered one relegation and promotion during their spell in the Southern League and finished runners up on three occasions.

In 1920 The Biscuitmen became founder members of the Football League Division Three South. In 1927 they reached the FA Cup Semi Final before going down to winners Cardiff City at Molineux. Around this period, the club spent a short spell in Division Two. Although the club had always used blue and white as their colours, predominantly stripes, they first wore their famous hoops in 1938.

After World War Two the club remained in the Division Three South until re-organisation in 1958, when they were placed in the third tier. They spent the next thirteen years there until they were relegated. Promotion was won in 1976 around the time the mecurial Robin Friday showed off his magic for the team.

In 1983 'The Royals' as they were now known as, were relegated once more with the club hitting severe financial troubles and Elm Park in poor condition. Property tycoon Roger Smee saved the club and carried out repair works on the ground as the side won immediate promotion. In 1986 a further elevation to the Second Division was achieved and the following year the club won The Simon Cup, for sides in the top two divisions after a victory over Luton Town at Wembley under the managership of Ian Branfoot.

The run didn't last too long as The Royals were soon relegated. Branfoot departed to be replaced by Ian Porterfield for a short spell. In 1990 local businessman and founder of Auto Trader, John Madejski bought the club and installed Mark McGhee as player manager. Promotion back to the second tier was secured in 1994 before McGhee departed the following season. Jimmy Quinn and Mick Gooding took over as the side ended runners up, but were denied promotion as only the champions went up as The Premier League was streamlining back to twenty clubs. Instead they reached the Play Off Final against Bolton Wanderers.








The Wembley clash was one of the famous old stadium's more dramatic games. The Royals went two up and then missed a penalty. This allowed Wanderers back into the match and they went on to deny Reading by four goals to three. Terry Bullivant took over from the managerial pair a couple of years later, only to be sacked in March 1998, a couple of months before the club moved to their new Madejski Stadium to the south of the town.

Alan Pardew took over The Royals hot seat a few months later and led the side to promotion in 2003. After failing in the play offs the following season he left for West Ham, to be replaced by Steve Coppell. In 2006 Reading won The Championship to reach The Premier League and English football's top flight for the first time. Dave Kitson and Kevin Doyle had proved a lethal strikeforce at the time.

The Royals lasted two seasons in the top tier before suffering relegation. The following season they were defeated by Burnley in the play offs, with Coppell resigning after the game. Brendan Rogers took over before departing after just four months to be replaced by coach Brian McDermott. He reshaped the side as they played some fine football. McDermott led the side to the Play Off Final in 2011, where Rogers' Swansea City side saw them off in another great Wembley match.

Players were sold at the start of the next season to bring new ones in as Madejski looked for the club to be more self sufficient. In January 2012 he announced that he would be selling 51% of his shares in the club to Thames Sport Investments, who had Russian backing. McDermott's side went on an amazing run after New Year 2012 which led to them being crowned champions at the seasons end and a return to The Premier League.

However, the team found the step up in class too much. It was argued that McDermott had become a victim of his own success as he was sacked to be replaced by Nigel Adkins in March 2013. The Royals were relegated to The Championship at the end of the season.

Reading FC will compete in the Football League Championship in the 2013-14 season.


My visits

Reading 4 Yeovil Town 2 (Saturday 30th October 1999) FA Cup Round One (att: 8,032)

I decided to take in this FA Cup clash at The Mad Stad as the ground had become nicknamed, to cross off another new ground and to hopefully see a cup shock. Reading were plying their trade in the League's third tier, while the visiting Glovers were a Conference side.

It was the second time I'd seen Yeovil play away that season. I was at their first match of the season when they got a proper pasting from newly relegated Scarborough. Yeovil hadn't been good, but Boro set up hope of an immediate return to the League. How little we knew!

I had a green Scarborough away shirt, so I wore it so I'd fit into the away end. I caught the train fromm Paddington and then took one of the special buses from outside Reading station to the stadium. It was early but I'd read that the ground sold beer inside. Unfortunately Reading had underestimated the volume of away support all wanting drinks so it was hard work getting served.

I took my seat in what I considered an excellent new arena. It was fully enclosed with the main West Stand having two levels with corporate boxes and the reast having one continuous tier. The view was first class.

It turned out that the bloke sat next to me was the son of Woking manager Colin Lippiatt, so we had a good chat for the afternoon. The atmosphere from the Yeovil fans was first class. They made a real racket. Some Reading youths were in the block to our right trying to respond.

Yeovil gave it a good go, but Reading seemed a good side to me and ran out reasonably easy winners in the end.

At full time I went out to catch the bus from behind the West Stand. The surrounds of the stadium were not completed and missiles were being exchanged between the two sets of fans for a few minutes. I manged to get onboard unscathed and was back at the station with a minimum of fuss and reading for my train back to London.

I enjoyed my afternoon out thoroughly at a good venue in a decent atmosphere.

Wokingham & Emmbrook 3 Highmoor Ibis 1 (Tuesday 22nd May 2012) Reading  Senior Cup Final (att: 545)

Having finished my set of night shifts I looked on Tony's Non League Forum for clues of a match to attend, to possibly complete my seasons viewing. As ever the invaluable outlet didn't let me down and offered an ideal opportunity for me to revisit the Madejski Stadium for the Reading Senior Cup Final and to take some photos, as well as seeing a game at excellent value.

I had decided to make a day of it, and already enjoyed a couple of train and a bus ride while visiting the homes of Burnham and Reading Town, before arriving in Reading town centre. I had planned to go to the home of one of the evening's finalists Highmoor Ibis, but time had beaten me. It was a choice of going there and struggling to reach the stadium in good time, or to relax with a pint and a meal.

I had worked out where the bus to the Madjeski park and ride left at St Mary's Butt and then set about finding the nearest Wetherspoons by using my IPhone app. Within minutes I was inside The Hope Tap in no time and as luck would have it, it was steak night. I sat back with a fine pint of Game On from the Lees Brewery and before long my gammon steak arrived. It was very tempting to remain there!

Instead I walked back to the stop and caught the number fifty bus out to the stadium. I had purchased a busabout ticket for £4, which gave me unlimited bus travel for the rest of the day. The stadium was definitely a long way out of town. I was concerned about getting back after the game, but the driver showed me where to catch the 9.08 service back to the station.

The whole area outside the Mad Stad had grown and been finished since my previous visit. Much of it had been landscaped too. The stadium looked really good. I followed the trickle of fans who were surprisingly heading to The East Stand, opposite where the main facilities were. Small posters in the holders confirmed that spectators needed to head to Gate Seven.

I paid £4 admission, which included an informative programme. I went upstairs and sneaked past the tape to get a better view of the stand I was in for my photos. I heard three chaps chatting about different games and went for a chat. I had guessed correctly that they were regulars from Tony's Forum. I had my Scarborough Athletic shirt on, so conversation was not thin on the ground. It was a glorious evening, but the sun shone into our eyes for an hour.

Kick off was put back by ten minutes as the crowds arrived late to find just one turnstile open. Apart from a small sprinkling of neutrals and Ibis fans, the rest were cheering on The Satsumas of Wokingham. It was great to see many of the clubs junior players in attendance wearing their club shirts.

My new friends warned my that the previous two finals had finished scoreless after ninety minutes and had gone to extra time. Apparently the previous years ame had been an absolute shocker.

This match started off at a lively pace from end to end. Then the game hit a lull before Wokingham were awarded a penalty, which saw Matt Jones's spot kick saved. It looked like they would be made to pay for their miss when the tubby Ibis player manager Shane Small-King curled home a fine free kick. While he didn't have any pace, his ball control and hold up play was first class. The Satsumas were gifted an equaliser when the Highmoor keeper went walkabout and lost the ball around thirty yards out. It was rolled into an empty net by Dean Thomas.

Thankfully the sun dipped behind the West Stand not long after half time to offer some relief in viewing. Reading didn't deem it necessary to open a bar despite the decent turn out, so I forewent my half time refreshments.

After half time Wokingham were the better side. Highmoor's slow build up was well marshalled, whereas they attacked with a bit of pace. They took the lead when Adam Cornell scored a stunning overhead kick following a corner.

Highmoor Ibis had plenty of play but couldn't find a way through. It looked very likeley to end two one. I said my goodbyes with around a minute of normal time remaining. I wanted to catch the bus rather than face a ridiculously long walk. Just as I got down to the exit point in the stand I watched Wokingham & Embrook break away to see Thomas complete a brace and deservedly win the cup for The Satsumas. Apparently he hit the woodwork in the last minute when I was walking round the outside of the stadium.

I walked across the huge car parks behind the West Stand and went through some lovely landscaped greenery to find a bus stop on Brook Drive in the Green Park Business Park. The whole area was really impressive. My bus arrived bang on time and took me back all the way to the railway station. I only had a few minutes to wait until a fast train arrived to take me back to Paddington.

I was sat in JJ Moon's in Kingsbury just over an hour later to enjoy a few pints of real ale and a lovely glass of Glenlivit. It had been a magnificent day and evening and even better the warm weather was to continue and I was going to The Oval the following day to enjoy some county cricket!

Blyth Spartans

Blyth Spartans, who were founded in 1899 are a non league football club from Northumberland, around thirteen miles north east of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. The town of Blyth is highly industrial with trade in coal mining, fishing and shipbuilding most predominaent in its past. The port still provides for the town.

The club were formed by Mr Fred Stoker who named them after the Greek Spartan Army, in the hope it would inspire the team. The first couple of years were spent playing friendly games, before they moved into the Northumberland League. They won three league titles before progressing to the Northern Alliance as well as moving into their Croft Park home in 1909. They went on to win that league twice.

In 1913 Spartans turned semi professional and joined the North Eastern League where they remained until it folded in 1958. They were crowned champions of the strong league in 1937. They had spells in the Midland League and Northern Counties League and a reformed North Eastern League until joining the Northern League in 1964.

Blyth had previously reached the FA Cup First Round on several occasions, but they were about to embark on establishing a famous name as cup giant killers as well as a top side in the league. They lifted the Northern League ten times and finished as runners up on a further five times until they departed in 1993. However, it was the FA Cup that brought them the greatest acolations.

In 1971-72 they reached the third round after defeating Football League sides Crewe Alexandra and Stockport County, before gpoing down 6-1 at Reading. In the 1977-78 season they went on a remarkable run defeating Shildon, Crook Town, Consett and Bishop Auckland to reach the First Round. Burscough, Chesterfield and Enfield were seen off at Croft Park for Spartans to go into the hat for the Fourth Round draw. They were rewarded with a daunting trip to The Victoria Ground to take on First Division Stoke City. Blyth remarkably won 3-2 and were drawn away to Wrexham in the Fifth Round.

Spartans came within a minute of reaching the last eight. Terry Johnson had given them the lead to send the travelling masses into ecstacy. Time was nearly up when Wrexham were awarded a corner which was collected by Dave Clarke. However, the referee ordered a retake as the corner flag had fallen over before the ball was delivered. From the resulting second attempt Dixie McNeil scored a heartbreaking equaliser. Blyth moved the replay to St James' Park where a remarkable attendance of 42,167 saw the Welshmen go through 2-1. Despite the outcome, manager Brian Slane and his coach Jackie Marks plus all the players had done the club and the area proud.

To see extended highlights of both half's of the away game at Wrexham from Match of the Day, click on the two links below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eC7mjq-piE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Viczl-uG-wU

Three seasons later Hull City managed to see off Spartans at Elland Road after two replays in the Second Round.

In 1993 the club took the promotion on offer to join the Northern Premier League. They won the First Division title at the first attempt to move to the Premier Division. Another FA Cup run in 1996 ended after a victory over Bury, but then a deat to Stockport County.

In 2004 experienced boss Harry Dunn (better known to Scarborough supporters as Harry 'A' Dunn) took over and two years later led the club to a league and league cup double, resulting in promotion to the Conference North. The league proved to be difficult but relief was found in 2008 in the way of another fine FA Cup run.

Promotion hunting Shrewsbury Town were defeated 3-1 at Croft Park in front of the live TV cameras. They followed that up by drawing away to AFC Bournemouth before seeing them off in the replay through a solitary Ged Dalton goal again in front of a live TV audience. Blackburn Rovers attracted more live TV coverage to Croft Park and left with a narrow 1-0 win.

Dunn left soon after, to be replaced by Mick Tate. He didn't find the league any easier and nor did his replacement Steve Cuggy. It was somewhat inevitable that the struggles would eventually end in relegation, and so it came to pass at the end of the 2011-12 season.

Blyth Spartans will compete in the Northern Premier League Premier Division in the 2013-14 season.


My visit

Friday 2nd October 2008

My club, Scarborough Athletic had been drawn away to Esh Winning in the FA Vase and with me having a long weekend off work I was not going to turn down the opportunity to have a good look around the clubs of the North East.

I travelled up to Newcastle by train the previous day straight after work and stayed at the rather run down resort of Whitley Bay. What it lacked in elegance, it certainly made up with cheap bars full of drinks promotions. I decided it would have been rude not to join in, so I was rather delicate the following morning when I first ventured to bay's Hillheads Park home and then awaited a bus up the coast.

It was a cold and gloomy morning but I loved the adventure of going to new places. I was particularly happy when the bus went within a couple of hundred metres of Croft Park on its way into the town. I was even more impressed when the gates were open giving me a good photo opportunity.

Croft Park was a venue I liked immediately. It had the feel of a proper ground with plenty of good old fashioned terracing and covers. Both ends had similar full length roofs. The Main Stand was once a raised seating deck above some terracing, but it was now all seated to comply with ground requirements. There was flat standing at either side where different buildings housed facilities. Opposite the centre section had a roof over the terracing, with banking at either side of it.

I finished my task and walked to the town centre through many streets lined by terraced houses, That no doubt once housed the hard workers from the coalfields and the port. I found the people in the department store most friendly when I called in for a cuppa before catching a small bus for the interesting ride to my next port of call, Bedlington.

Burnham

Burnham FC are a non league football club who were formed in 1878, who come from the small town of Burnham which is located around twenty five miles to the west of central London.

For nearly one hundred years 'The Blues' competed in local league football before becoming members of the Hellenic League in 1971. Six years later the club made the switch to the Athenian League, where they performed consistently near to the top of the table. In 1978 they got to the last eight of the FA Vase and then in 1983 they went out at the semi final stage against the eventual winners Halesowen Town.

The following year they once again switched competition to join the London Spartan League, becoming champions at the first attempt. With Hillingdon FC struggling at the time, they merged with The Blues and became known as Burnham & Hillingdon FC and taking Hillingdon's place in the Southern League.

In 1987 the club reverted to becoming Burnham FC while performances in the higher league dipped. In 1995 they were relegated back to the Hellenic League where they became one of the top performers. In 1999 the club regained their place in the Southern League. In their first season back they reached the FA Trophy Fourth Round before going out to Scarborough after a replay.

Much work was carried on the clubs home ground of The Gore, which was once shared with Burnham Cricket Club. Fomer England international cricketer and Test Match umpire Ian 'Gunner' Gould was the club Chairman for a short spell around this period. The Blues reached the semi final of the end of season play offs in 2007 and 2010, but were denied promotion on both occasions.

Under the managership of Martin Stone, Burnham were crowned champions of the Southern League Division One Central in 2012-13. This led to promotion to the Premier Division, which was the highest level that the club had ever achieved.

Burnham FC will compete in the Southern League Premier Division in the 2013-14 season.


My visits

Burnham 1 Scarborough 1 (Saturday 5th February 2000) FA Trophy Fourth Round (att: 469)

I had moved to London just before Scarborough's relegation from the Football League in April 1999. The move had opened up a whole new avenue of venues to watch games at and when Boro went on a run in the Trophy I was delighted at Lord's one Monday lunchtime when the draw gave them an away draw at Burnham.

Many fellow fans were scratching their heads as to where Burnham was, let alone their playing record, but I was more than happy with the thoughts of a lie in and a relatively short journey on the train from Paddington.

The big day arrived and I met Simon Keane for a pre train livener at Paddington. We were to meet Steve Walker at Burnham station. He lived on the outskirts of Oxford at the time, so it was a short journey for him as well. He came with the explicit instructions not to drink too much from Sarah, his girlfriend of the time. Her parents were down from Scarborough and they were due to go out for a Saturday evening meal.

We wandered around trying to find a pub around midday, but there didn't seem to be much happening in the sleepy little town. We were given some directions by a local and as we approached the hostelry Guy Watson, Frazer Armitage and Dave Cammish appeared as if by magic. We had one beer in a rather soulless family pub suited more to dining before setting off again. A local pointed us in the direction of the High Street.

We were in heaven as we found three pubs to embark on a mini pub crawl before ordering taxis to the ground. We didn't realise just how close the ground was. The drivers got an easy job from us! At the ground it was quickly apparent that plenty of Seadogs had made the journey south and we outnumbered the home fans.

The Gore was a pretty basic venue. There was flat standing round all four sides, with the touchline to our left having the cricket pitch next to it. Opposite was a small seated stand. At the end by the entrance was a two storey building, which housed the changing rooms, clubhouse and a viewing balcony.

Plenty of my old pals had come down on their own mini bus. It was just like the good old days. Even better was the fact that Burnham were keen on maximising profits, so they allowed us to buy beer in plastic glasses and stand behind the goal with it. This was quite a novelty at the time to us, but an experience we would grow all too used to before the end of the decade.

Boro played pretty poorly against a limited Burnham side who played their hearts out. While the beer being freely available appealed to many, it also led to raised emotions which Boro boss Colin Addison didn't appreciate in the way of feedback as the sides trudged off after a limp first half.

Boro went ahead in the second half but the home side scored an equaliser. All the match a small gaggle of blokes stood near the clubhouse trying to wind the Boro fans up by shouting abuse and generally looking for trouble. This was not a good idea looking around at how many Seadogs were 'in ale', including Steve who seemed to have had an amnesia attack.

Sure enough when Burnham scored the abuse reached a rescendo. The reserve team, who were well behaved on the balcony celebrated as they were well entitled to. Unfortunately, a Boro fan (who will remain nameless!) thought it was them insulting us. He appeared on the balcony and a misunderstanding took place. From my recollection one of the other lads went and got him down and offered apologies on his behalf.

The game ended in a draw. Our three earlier companians hung around for a pint in the clubhouse, while Simon and I took Steve back to the station before he could try to pour any more ale in.It was the least I could have done for Sarah! Even on the way out the clowns continued to goad us. It was pointless by now as they could have saved themselves a lot of energy if they wanted to thump us, by just blowing us over.

We dispatched Steve and laughed how we'd love to be a fly on the wall at the meal, before we went to Paddington and decided to have some more beers. The other three were with us within the hour. I can't remember too much what went on, but looking at the photos and going by experience, we'd have talked cobblers about politics, football and pubs.

It was a lively day out to say the least. Boro won the replay six nil!

Tuesday 22nd May 2012

I woke after completing my set of seven night shifts on a beautiful lunchtime. My destination was to be the Madejski Stadium for the Reading Senior Cup Final that evening, but on route I decided it would be good to retrace my footsteps from over a decade previously and see the ground improvements at The Gore.

I got off the train from Paddington and set off on a lot longer walk than I remembered. The modern family pub had been turned into a Tesco store. The walk near the old village was very pleasant with a nice green opposite High Street. After around fourty minutes I arrived at the stadium to find bigger changes than I could have imagined.

The old area behind the goal was now the car park for the ground, conference centre and gym which formed part of the new Main Stand. The clubhouse was gone. The ground was surrounded by a modern metal grey high fence. Fortunately the entrance gate was open in the near corner. The previous small seated stand was now for standing spectators. There was not too much room behind the goals. The main feature though was the new stand. It was a very impressive building with a few rows of seats in front of the facilities with a roof finishing it off.

I left the ground and walked back towards the village. I had seen a bus stop and I investigated on the way back. I love walking, but it was a long way back. A bus was due for Brackley via Maidenhead. For a short while I considered staying on to the end of the route and sneaking in an extra venue, but instead I got out after a lovely ride to the attractive town of Maidenhead in time for a train to Reading.

Burnham had certainly done well with The Gore. I just wished it was a bit nearer the station!