We took a look at our Darlington Road failings in our latest instalment of ‘The Lowdown.’
A popular fixture wherever it’s played, West Auckland Town tonight host Redcar Athletic at Darlington Road – known as the Northern Metal Recycling Stadium for sponsorship reasons.
Whilst we take a deep dive into the history of the club dubbed the ‘First World Cup Winners,’ we too explored our disastrous record on their turf, from red cards and controversy, to missed penalties, and, well, defeats.
WHO ARE YA?
West Auckland Town
Honoured to bear the title of first World Cup winners, West Auckland are another Northern League club steeped in history.
Invited to compete in the inaugural Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy – deemed an early precursor to the World Cup of today – in 1909, West swept through the competition without conceding, clinching the title in lieu of Great Britain.
The Durham-outfit sank Stuttgart by two goals to one in the semi-final, repeating the feat against Swiss side FC Winterthur to snatch the silverware.
Town were invited back to the competition two years later, where they remarkably defended their title, earning the right to the possession of the coveted trophy with a devastating 6-1 victory over none other than Juventus.
Unfortunately, their joy was short-lived, as the tour left the club swamped with debt, and they were forced to offer their spoils as security for a loan from a local pub.
Having regained possession of their greatest honour in 1960, the trophy was stolen in 1994, and hasn’t resurfaced since.
CURRENT FORM
West Auckland Town are a club tipped for league success this season, having missed out in a play-off final defeat to Heaton Stannington last term.
In truth, their form has been somewhat unpredictable at times, best described by victory over Boro Rangers, followed by defeat to Northallerton Town.
West Auckland’s last outing came in the Durham Challenge Cup last week, where our Northern League compatriots scored twice to knock o it Gateshead.
In terms of league form, at least, Redcar also head into tonight’s contest on the back of a defeat.
The Steelmen were beaten on home soil by Easington Colliery, tonight seeking a response as results elsewhere continue to prove favourable.
WEST AUCKLAND TOWN 3-1 REDCAR ATHLETIC
Late controversy marred this great contest, as a foul on Donny Holdsworth went overlooked, and a late counterattack left Redcar reeling.
FAMILIAR FACES
Anthony Bell
Leaving the Steelmen as a free agent in the summer, Anthony Bell donned the captains armband across nearly a half century of appearances.
He’s found somewhat of a scoring touch in the black and amber of West Auckland, and will certainly prove one-to-watch this evening.
Layton Watts
Alongside him, Layton Watts, a crowd-favourite at Green Lane, with a creative spark and knack for goal.
His ability is sure to create problems for the Steelmen this evening, just as it did at Green Lane in September.
FINDING THE NORTHERN METAL RECYCLING STADIUM
Joining us on the road this evening? Use the postcode DL14 9HU.
WEST AUCKLAND TOWN 2-1 REDCAR ATHLETIC
Previous trips to Darlington Road have brought controversy, from penalties not given, trouble on the terraces, but this game was just purely devastating.
Three red cards, two missed penalties and an atrocious tackle unpunished. Surely, we can’t do worse than that?
PRE-MATCH MEDIA
Jack Blackford relishes his return from injury as he looks forward to this evening’s game.
READ MORE
Carl Jarrett: Post-Match Reaction – Easington Colliery (h)
The boss spoke to Club Media having clinched the JR Cleator Cup on Saturday.
Match Report: Redcar Athletic 1-0 Easington Colliery
Our report as the Steelmen win the JR Cleator Cup on a dreary summertime day.
Supporter Information: Easington Colliery (h)
All the important information as the Steelmen host the JR Cleator Cup.
