50 years of Sunday League football

Although never confirmed, the league is possibly the oldest running Sunday League in the country, and is to host a special event to mark 50 years.

The league, which still has three divisions, continues to run in difficult times.

The loss of nearly 10 pitches and an increase in pitch fees has made it difficult to run a team, but it once had five divisions – and a referee by the name of Neil Warnock.

League spokesman Paul Illingworth told the Guardian: “We’re calling on all teams, from East Rovers, the first Challenge Cup winners, to the league’s most successful teams the old Shireoaks Inn and Worksop Borough, the 70s unbeaten treble winners Marquis of Granby and anyone else who has had an association with the league, to come along a make a good evening for all to remember.”

The league are looking to hold the celebration evening at the Shireoaks Inn in July this year.

Anyone interested in attending should either email Dave Crisp, league secretary, at [email protected] or [email protected] or ring league fixtures secretary Dave Northage on 01909 530899.