In sporting news 65 years ago, Bishop Auckland and Crook Town were fighting it out at the top of the Northern League with Durham City, South Bank and Evenwood in hot pursuit.

On Good Friday, March 30, Crook Town travelled to Tow Law. Three times Crook went ahead, three times the Lawyers equalised, but the Lawyers lost the game 5-4 with virtually the last kick of the match. Harry Guard from Jarrow hit three for Crook, Kenny Harrison the other two. Tommy Pratt 2, Gordon Hughes and Kenny Todd replied.

The following day, Tow Law entertained neighbours Stanley United. Tow Law went ahead through Liddle Marsden, then their keeper Keith Graver saved a penalty before Doug Rooney equalised for Stanley. John Vasey and Kenny Todd put the Lawyers’ 3-1 ahead before Insole scored for Stanley to make the score 3-2 in Tow Law’s favour.

Tow Law’s number 9 Jimmy Fletcher then put them 4-2 up, and with only three minutes to go, it looked all over. Amazingly, inside the final three minutes, Stanley scored three times, through Rooney, Insole and Lewis, so Tow Law lost 5-4 at home for the second time.