The Lowdown on Whickham: Isuzu FA Vase Edition

We took a look at Whickham in our latest instalment of ‘The Lowdown.’

Redcar Athletic’s history with the Isuzu FA Vase today enters uncharted waters in the Second Round Proper, but the same can hardly be said for their opponents.

Champions in 1981, the Lang Jacks enter this year’s competition this afternoon, given a bye through to this stage having reached the Fifth Round last season.

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

Isuzu FA Vase only

Rewarded for great success last season, Whickham enter the competition at the Second Round stage as one of the highest seeded teams.

The Gateshead outfit recorded astonishing victories over the likes of Bury and Ashton Town, falling to Northern Counties East League champions Emley, who this season contest the Isuzu FA Trophy.

Redcar Athletic were also dealt a bye, but only until the Second Qualifying Round, in which a dramatic penalty shootout offered safe passage ahead of West Auckland Town.

The Steelmen took on Prudhoe Youth Club of Division Two in the First Round, an Adam Boyes hat-trick booking today’s date with Whickham at the Glebe Arena.

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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.