ONE of the forgotten great teams of North-East football be remembered 125 years after their finest hour.

In 1890, Darlington St Augustine's were the first winners of The Northern League, the second oldest football league in the world.

The Saints were then a big football name in the region, eclipsing town rivals Darlington FC, and in 1887 were the opposition the first time Sunderland wore red and white stripes.

The anniversary of their Northern League triumph is to be commemorated with a family fun day, a stage play and a recreation of their historic game against the Black Cats.

Commemorations will take place during a day-long event at St Augustine’s in Darlington on Saturday, August 8.

Highlights will include a play about the origins The Northern League, called Hewin' Goals by the Backscratch Theatre Company, and an associated talk by Mike Amos, outgoing chairman of The Northern League.

Mr Amos said: "I'm really hoping that the St Augustine's event will help shed light on one of the great mysteries of North-East football - what on earth was a Roman Catholic church team from Darlington doing in the world's second oldest league and how did they manage to win it at the first time of asking?

"Subsequent champions have included great teams like Newcastle, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Bishop Auckland, Crook and Shildon - but the Saints led the way.

"When the league celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2013-14, we tried very hard to find out more about the St Augustine's story - but with little success.

"It's clear, however, that the team lured a number of Scottish "professors" - professionals - from over the border and they were paid for their efforts.

"Coincidentally, the event also marks the first day of the season - and the first of my 500-mile Last Legs Challenge - to walk around 12 miles to each of our 44 clubs. I hope that I'll still make St Augustine's in one piece."

Darlington St Augustine’s FC won The Cleveland Cup and were a big name in the region until the First World War.

The historic friendly against Sunderland was held at the Wearside club’s then ground on Newcastle Road on September 24, 1887, and about 4,000 watched Sunderland win 1-0. A report in The Sunderland Echo on the Darlington St Augustine’s match said: “The home team appeared on the field after being photographed in their new costume, a red and white perpendicular striped jersey with white knickerbockers.”

*The recreated match at Beechwood Avenue, Darlington, kicks off at noon and is described as a “bit of a kick about.” Organisers stress it is not an official Sunderland team but a side made up of fans. A fun day will follow at St Augustine's Parish Centre on Larchfield Street from 1pm. A free football history workshop for seven to 11-year-olds at St Augustine's Parish Centre on Larchfield Street from 2pm.

  • A limited number of tickets are available for the play which will be performed at 7.30pm following a talk by Mike Amos. Tickets cost £8 (£6 concessions) and are available from starsdarlington.co.uk