Programmes from Isthmian History: FA Amateur Cup Final, 1961

Walthamstow Avenue walked out at Wembley on 22nd April 1961 with hopes of clinching the first part of a treble. They were in a three way fight for the Isthmian League title with Bromley and Wimbledon, and also in the Final of the Essex Senior Cup, where they were to take on Tilbury.

Avenue had already defeated Bishop’s Stortford, holders Hendon (who weren’t yet in our ranks), hammered seven past Harwich & Parkestone, defeated Wimbledon, and then despatched Hitchin Town in the Semi-Final, held at White City.

They had a fine team. Amongst their line up, goalkeeper Gary McGuire would go on to play professionally for Torquay United. Right half Dave Andrews would go on to be chairman of Dagenham & Redbridge, descendants of the original club after they merged, first with Leytonstone/Ilford (later Redbridge Forest) and then with Dagenham to become today’s existing club. Captain Stan Prince had already represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games, whilst centre forward Jimmy Lewis was already famous- a title winner with Chelsea in 1954-55, who played almost fifty times for the England Amateur side and played at three Olympic Games for Great Britain.

West Auckland were usually overshadowed by their neighbours, ten time Amateur Cup Winners Bishop Auckland- despite having twice won the ‘World Cup!’ The were, however, to take the Northern League title for a second year in succession, with Bishop four points back- and would go on to reach the Amateur Cup Semi-Final the following season, too. They’ve never had any luck at Wembley- losing this match to Avenue, and returning twice in the FA Vase Final more recently, losing to Dunston UTS and Sholing.

Their road to the Final had seen them defeat Yorkshire Amateurs, Clapton, Penrith (after two replays), Walton & Hersham and Leytonstone- the latter in the semi-Final at Roker Park.

Avenue played most of the match with ten fit men. Don Saggers was injured within the first sixty seconds and a virtual passenger for much of the match, which West quickly took control of, taking the lead through Alan Douglas. Avenue were, however, quickly level- Reggie Groves with the equaliser, and after the break Jim Lewis got his fiftieth goal of the season to hand his side victory- although the goalkeeping of McGuire was also a decisive factor.

They eventually ended the league campaign in second place, a point behind Bromley; and were defeated four-one by Tilbury after extra time in the Essex Cup Final. But if you only have to take one trophy from the three available, the FA Amateur Cup was surely the best- particularly in front of forty five thousand people at the national stadium.

Follow the Pitching In Isthmian League on Instagram. Head here or search for theisthmianleague on your app. We're also on Facebook and Twitter.