We took a look at Whickham in our latest instalment of ‘The Lowdown.’
Redcar Athletic’s Northern League campaign continues on home soil this afternoon against Tony Fawcett’s new look Whickham.
The eleventh side to visit Green Lane this season, we took a deep dive into their history, early season woes, and current efforts at a revival.
WHO ARE YA?
Whickham
Founded in 1944 as Axwell Park Colliery Welfare, Whickham are another fine example of the north east’s rich history of footballing brilliance.
Colloquially known as the Home Guard Team in their early endeavours, Whickham switched the Derwent Valley League for the Northern Combination, moving again to the Wearside League before settling in Division Two of the Northern League.
It was in 1981 that the Gateshead outfit made national headlines, taking 5’000 supporters to the old Wembley Stadium in the FA Vase, only to fall to a quick two goal deficit.
The Lang Jacks battled back from adversity, Alan Scott and Ronnie Williamson levelling the affair at the final whistle, as Billy Cawthra’s breakaway goal snatched the coveted cup in extra-time.
In the Northern League, Manager Billy Hodgson took the Tynesiders to new heights, earning a brief stint in Division One in the late 1980s, into the early 90s.
Back in the comfort of the second division, Whickham clinched the prestigious Durham Challenge Cup trophy, seeing off a stellar Billingham Synthonia in the final. The club followed their latest piece of silverware with yet another, winning the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup.
In 2018, Whickham finally returned to Division One finishing seventh, eighth and eleventh in their last three seasons.
CURRENT FORM
Parting company with Lee Haldane during a slow start to the season, Whickham entrusted their attempt at a revival to Tony Fawcett in his second spell at the helm of the club.
The Lang Jacks sit 19th in the division ahead of play this afternoon, a somewhat false position given the ability within their ranks.
At the opposite end of matters, Redcar Athletic have a big opportunity on offer this afternoon, as Blyth Town and Boro Rangers – the two closest challengers for top spot – do battle at Gateway Park.
A continuation of the Steelmen’s stellar home form would no doubt see a further increase of the gap to second or third – or both – an important step with Rangers still clinging on to a game in hand.
REDCAR ATHLETIC 2-0 WHICKHAM
The greatest achievement in Redcar Athletic’s history. A 2-0 win over Whickham on the final day sealed a spot in the top six of the Northern League, still to this day (two years later) the Steelmen’s best finish.
MATCHDAY INFORMATION
Here’s everything you need to know if you’re joining us at Green Lane this afternoon.
FINDING GREEN LANE
Joining us at Green Lane this evening? You can find us at the end of a road of the same name, just off the coast road, at TS10 3RW.
REDCAR ATHLETIC 4-0 WHICKHAM
A record-quick goal and an all round fantastic performance. A brace apiece from Adam Boyes and Curtis Round saw off Whickham on their last visit to Green Lane.
PRE-MATCH MEDIA
Carl Jarrett recounts positive home form as he looks ahead to facing Tony Fawcett’s new look Whickham.
READ MORE
Travel Information: Blyth Spartans (a)
Join the Steelmen at Croft Park for our Pitching In Northern Premier League debut.
Match Gallery: Redcar Athletic 2-0 North Ferriby
Our favourite snaps from the Emirates FA Cup Extra-Preliminary Round.
Carl Jarrett: Post-Match Reaction – North Ferriby (h)
The boss spoke to Ash Stone following a win in the Emirates FA Cup.
