End of Season review

Two new names appeared in the league tables for the start of this year.  This was not due to promotion or relegation, but two existing teams deciding to change names.  First off was Stockton, who are now called Thornaby-on-Tees.  Secondly, Ryhope C.A. have merged with the Wearside League team Kennek Roker to become Kennek Ryhope C.A. 

The first division again belonged to Bedlington Terriers.  They completed a hat-trick of championships by coming behind to beat Seaham Red Star.  Seaham Red Star were the League leaders for quite some time.  In fact, at one point, Bedlington were 21 points behind the League leaders.  Seaham fell away towards the end of the season, with Bedlington winning their outstanding fixtures to clinch the championship.

In the FA Vase, hopes were raised of having a fourth team at Wembley in successive years.  In the fourth round, three teams were left in the draw - Bedlington Terriers, Consett and Crook Town.  Unfortunately, only Bedlington Terriers managed to win their game on the day, but were unable to repeat the performance of last season by reaching the final. They eventually lost to Chippenham in the quarter final.

Dunston Fed. lifted the League Cup for a third successive time, with a 4-0 win over Durham City.  This was the only the second time that this has been achieved - the last time was Shildon in 1938-40.

Brandon United took the second division championship, by winning 6-1 against Esh Winning on Good Friday.  They also reached the final of the Durham Challenge Cup, only to be beaten by a Darlington Reserve side, 3-1.  Newcastle Blue Star made a swift return to the top flight after being relegated the previous season.  Hebburn took the third spot, and also won the Craven Cup with a 2-1 win against Alnwick Town.

The Northern League Club was launched in July 1999, with the number one member being the former England manager, Bobby Robson.  The Club offers an information service to anybody interested in the League.  By the end of the season, the Club had just under 250 members from abroad and the UK.  

League Division One Champions: Bedlington Terriers

Runners Up: Seaham Red Star

Relegated:  Thornaby-on-Tees, Shotton Comrades, South Shields

Division Two Champions: Brandon United

Promoted: Newcastle Blue Star, Hebburn

League Cup Winners: Dunston Fed.

Finalists: Durham City

Craven Cup Winners: Hebburn

Finalists: Alnwick Town