Willo the Wisp
After last week’s trip to the lovely Annfield Plain FC, this week we take in our second Wearside League ground, with a trip to Willington AFC.
This is another short journey that helps me get back into the habit and be ready for longer journeys ahead.
I have been looking forward to visiting Willington’s Hall Lane ground, as it has proved quite elusive.
With the club nickname being ‘Willo’, it seemed quite appropriate, therefore, to have the ‘Willo the Wisp’ headline. (One for the older reader, probably.)
A combination of limited information on the club’s X account, and the Wearside League’s strange custom of releasing fixtures only in small batches, has left me struggling to plan a trip to Hall Lane in advance.
Therefore, pre-season is the ideal time to do it, before my habit of planning weeks in advance prevents me from doing so. My schedule is already mapped out until September 5th!
Willington is a famous old team. It once appeared at Wembley Stadium in the 1950 FA Amateur Cup Final against local rivals, Crook Town.
While things have been harder for the club in more recent years, I look forward to seeing whether there are green shoots of recovery.
It would be great to see them back in the Northern League in the next few years.
Their opponents will be Billingham Town of the Northern League’s Division Two. This is a change from the original fixture against Newcastle Chemfica of the Northern Football Alliance.
More on that later.
For now, let’s get on with our matchday experience of Willington AFC.
The Journey
With kick-off being at 12:30, I still had to catch a relatively early bus.
I boarded the #65 bus to Durham at 09:46 and arrived in the cathedral city on the banks of the River Wear at 10:14.
There was a short wait for my connecting bus, the X46 to Crook, which arrived at 10:30.
I got off the bus at 10:50 on Willington High Street.
This left me with a very short walk to my watering hole of choice.
While I walk there, why not have a brief read about the town of Willington?
Willington
The town of Willington is in County Durham, in northeast England.
It stands in the foothills of the Pennines, close to the River Wear, around 2 miles east of Crook, 7 miles southwest of Durham and 17 miles north of Darlington. Hartlepool is 23 miles to the east and Newcastle 24 miles to the north.
At the 2021 Census, Willington had a population of 5,686, a rise of 175 from the previous Census.
Willington takes its name from the Old English ‘Wifelingtūn‘, meaning ‘the settlement connected with Wifel,’ with Wifel believed to have been an early landowner or local figure.
Willington’s history stretches back to medieval times, when it existed as a small farming settlement surrounded by open countryside. For centuries, agriculture shaped everyday life, and the village remained relatively modest in size compared with the larger market towns of County Durham.
Arrival of Coal
Everything changed during the 19th century with the growth of the Durham Coalfield. Rich coal seams beneath the surrounding landscape attracted investment, and mining quickly became the driving force behind the local economy. The opening of Brancepeth Colliery in 1840 transformed Willington from a quiet agricultural village into a thriving mining community.
As the coal industry expanded, so did the village. New rows of terraced housing were built for miners and their families, while shops, churches, schools and public buildings sprouted up to support the growing population. The arrival of the railway provided an efficient route for transporting coal across the region, helping Willington become part of County Durham’s extensive industrial network.
Unlike many larger industrial towns, Willington remained closely centred on coal mining rather than heavy engineering or steelmaking. The pit dominated daily life, creating a strong sense of community that became characteristic of many Durham mining villages.
By the early 20th century, Willington had established itself as a busy mining town. Coal provided employment for much of the local population, while social clubs, chapels, sporting organisations and community events became an important part of village life.
During both the First and Second World Wars, many local men served in the armed forces, while the collieries continued producing the coal needed to power Britain’s industries and support the war effort.
Post War
Following the Second World War, coal mining remained at the heart of Willington’s economy for a time. However, the closure of Brancepeth Colliery in 1967 marked a major turning point for the town. Like many former mining communities, Willington faced the challenge of replacing the jobs and industries that had supported generations of local families.
In the years that followed, the town gradually adapted to a more diverse economy. Many residents found work in nearby centres such as Durham, Bishop Auckland and Crook, while local businesses, retail and public services became increasingly important.
Willington now forms part of the civil parish of Greater Willington and continues to serve as an important local community within County Durham. Its position near the River Wear and the North Pennine foothills provides easy access to both the countryside and the larger towns of the region.
Although the coal industry has disappeared, its influence can still be seen throughout the town. The layout of many streets, former railway routes and community traditions all reflect Willington’s mining heritage, while memorials celebrate the generations who worked beneath the Durham coalfield.
From a small agricultural settlement to a thriving pit village, Willington’s history has been shaped by the rise and fall of coal mining.
Notable People from Willington
The physician and physiologist, Thomas Renton Elliott and World War I hero, George Burdon McKean.
Footballers Martin Burleigh, Dickie Dale, Harry Goslin, Joe Kasher, and George Tweedy, who earned a single cap for England in 1936.
Queen’s Head
While you were reading about the town, I had made the very short walk to the Queen’s Head pub on Willington’s High Street.
With Willington’s other pubs closed until midday, the Queen’s Head was the only viable option before today’s game.
It forms part of the terraced row along the High Street, which slopes to the east.
Inside is a single room with a bar to the right-hand side.
I ordered a pint of Guinness, costing £4.80, and took a seat at the bar.
Despite it being relatively early, a few locals were already in situ, and they all seemed to know each other.
As people came and went, conversations were pretty constant, and much of it seemed to centre around who had been falling out with who lately.
I didn’t feel unwelcome, but neither did I feel the urge to join in with the conversation around me.
After a couple of pints, I thanked the barman and left.
Were it a 3 pm kick-off, I would recommend trying the Cottles establishment further down the road (and closer to the ground), which opens at 12 pm.
Moving On
After leaving the Queen’s Head, I set off down the slope and headed for the ground.
Along the way, I passed an industrial-looking modern artwork, which I assume represents the mining heritage (No, I never thought to look at the plaque at its base.)
There was also a memorial dedicated to the World War I hero, Lt George Burdon McKean.
McKean was born in Willington, but emigrated to Canada. As part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, he was awarded a Victoria Cross for his actions while storming an enemy trench in April 1918.
The memorial to him was unveiled a hundred years later, in April 2018. McKean also has a town square in Cagincourt, France, and a mountain range in the Victoria Cross Ranges named after him.
I called into the Golden Fish Inn on the High Street and bought curry and chips for £4.00.
Willington AFC – Hall Lane
Getting In
After paying my £4.00 entry fee, I asked the guy on the gate about pin badges. He told me there would be some in the tea hut for sale, but then said, “I will get one out of my car.”
You just don’t get service like this in the Premier League, do you?
After returning with the badge, I gave him the £4.00, and as we talked, he told me he was the club’s chairman.
Imagine Stan Kroenke, Todd Boehly, or the Glazer family manning the turnstiles?
It was interesting to talk to him (sorry, I never asked your name, but the internet suggests it’s Carl Whelpdale?) and to hear about the struggles a club like Willington AFC has to endure.
For instance, match officials alone would cost the club between £100 and £ 150 today. Match fees and travel costs for them are paid by the club.
He told me that a bulb for the floodlights costs around £80 to replace. It is such a trivial amount to clubs in the upper echelons, where hundreds of millions of pounds are thrown around like confetti.
It actually annoys me as I write this!
Why aren’t the FA and the Premier League doing more to support grassroots teams up and down the country?
Costs like this are massive to Willington, but it’s loose change found down the back of the sofa for PL teams.
With my curry and chips still in hand, I left the chairman to carry on with his gateman duties and headed inside the Willington clubhouse.
With the rain coming down, I didn’t fancy eating them outside.
Clubhouse
Inside the clubhouse is a single room with a bar to the left.
I asked the young lady behind the bar if it would be alright to eat my food inside. After receiving the ok, I sat at a table and started eating.
Clearly, I had been talking to the chairman longer than I thought. I noticed the players arriving onto the pitch. They kicked off with me only halfway through my snack.
How rude! 😜
South End
After finishing my chips, I exited the clubhouse and combined watching the action with taking in the ground.
I will do this in my usual way, splitting a walk-around of the ground with a separate summary of the game.
Just know that I was distracted.
Entry to Hall Lane is via the turnstiles on the eastern side. We will start our review by heading to our left.
The south end of Hall Lane is a grassy bank with a couple of rows of rough terracing at the east end.
There is also a small, covered four-step terrace behind the goal.
West Side
The western side of the ground is dominated by the old stand that sits astride the halfway line.
With Willington AFC painted along the roofline, this is the standout feature of Hall Lane.
The seating within consists of wooden benches set on concrete shelves.
Behind the stand is a collection of building materials and assorted debris. There is also an old brick toilet block, though I never checked to see if it is still useable.
My instinct says no.
Four of the ground’s eight floodlights stand along the length of this side.
With two bulbs contained in each, that’s a potential £1,280 worth of lighting equipment to replace.
Almost enough to buy a Premier League player a new pair of shoes…
North End
The north end of the ground is very similar to its counterpart at the other end.
At the base of a small grass bank is a covered shelter.
Though there is no terrace, it does provide spectators with shelter from the elements.
East Side
We complete our perimeter walk on the east side.
This consists of the dressing rooms, technical dugouts, tea/snack hut, the clubhouse and the other four floodlights.
A few picnic tables are placed near the tea hut
At the southern end is a four-step terrace for the braver souls who are oblivious of the elements.
We’ve all seen them, the people who wear shorts during an Arctic blizzard, or pull off their shirts on a terrace in the middle of winter.
I was perfectly content to stay under cover, thanks.
Willington AFC – Hall Lane Gallery
Willington AFC Tidbits
The Willington Association Football Club was founded in 1906.
The club joined the Northern League in 1910.
Founded in 1889, this is the world’s second-oldest football league, behind only the English Football League (1888).
It was recognised as one of the strongest amateur football leagues in the country by the time Willington joined.
The inter-war years brought the club’s first major honours. Willington won the Northern League title in 1925–26, securing its first league title and confirming its position among the strongest amateur clubs in the north-east.
After finishing runners-up in just their second season in the league, they went one better in 1913/14, winning the Northern League title for the first time.
The club added a second Northern League title in 1925/26, and completed a hat trick of titles in 1929/30.
Ultimately, this proved to be their last title success in the Northern League.
Golden Era
Following the Second World War, Willington enjoyed another successful spell.
In 1949–50, Willington achieved its greatest success by winning the FA Amateur Cup, the forerunner of the FA Vase, which replaced it in the 1974/75 season.
Willo defeated the mighty Bishop Auckland 4–0 in the final at Wembley Stadium, producing one of the outstanding performances in the competition’s history.
To date, this victory remains the pinnacle of Willington’s history, and will take some topping in the future.
It is worth noting that 88,000 spectators attended the 1950 Cup Final.
County Durham had quite the exodus on that occasion!
After finishing in the top nine in the Northern League every season until 1960, decline set in.
Decline
Following the reintroduction of a Northern League Division Two in 1982/83, Willington were among the first teams to be relegated to it in that same season.
During the next decade, Willington continued to struggle, finishing bottom in 1983/84 and 1991/92.
In 22 years, they finished in the top ten on just five occasions.
A third finish at the bottom of the league in 2004/05 saw Willington relegated to the Wearside League.
Again, the struggles continued, finishing bottom in 2008/09 and again in 2009/10.
They rejoined the Northern League in 2013/14 and remained there until 2022/23, when relegation sent them back to the Wearside League.
A subsequent relegation to Division One was the club’s lowest ebb, and promotion returned them to the Wearside League Premier Division in 2024/25.
Will the next shift in momentum take them on an upward or downward trajectory?
Only time will tell, but the set-up at Willington is most definitely of a Northern League standing.
Hall Lane is currently known as The Syd Varley Groundworks Stadium for sponsorship reasons, and the club is managed by Steve Howe.
They Played for Willington AFC
Most of Willington’s best-known players come from the earlier half of the 20th century, in keeping with their successful years.
Dick Armstrong, Eli Ashurst, Bill Ashurst, Jimmy Banks, Walter Holmes, Alf Jeffries, Leo Loftus, Teddy Maguire, Mick Martin, Tony McAndrew, Joe Musgrave, Billy Rooks, and Dickie Rooks.
There is also the aforementioned George Tweedy, who played 347 league games for Grimsby Town and was the only ex-Willington player (that I am aware of) to represent the England national team.
Amazingly, there is a crossover of players between Willington and my team, Stoke City.
Andy Graver and Joe Kasher played for both clubs.
Then there is the infamous Blyth Spartans side that came to Stoke in 1978/79 and turned us over 3-2.
Starring in that game, and the whole cup run that took Spartans to the quarter-finals, was Alan Shoulder, who also managed Willington in later years.
Sadly, Alan passed away on February 2nd, 2025, at the age of 71 after a long battle with cancer.
Willington AFC – Pre-Game View of Hall Lane
Willington AFC v Billingham Town – The Game
Form
As with last week, there is little point in looking at form, given the wholesale changes to squads and the fact that this is a pre-season friendly.
Instead, I will just say that Willington AFC are in the Wearside Premier League, and Billingham Town are in the division above them, Northern League Division Two.
I expect a tight encounter with both teams scoring, but Billy Town having the edge.
Pre-Match Prediction: Willington AFC 1 Billingham Town 2
As I mentioned in the intro, Billingham Town weren’t the scheduled opponents today.
Originally, Newcastle Chemfica were due to play. However, after not being able to guarantee a full competitive side, they advised Willington to find alternative opposition.
Billy Town filled the gap; the kick-off time remained the same, so here we go!
Summary
Neither Willington nor Billingham covered this game on their social accounts. Therefore, I won’t even try to provide a detailed summary.
Suffice to say, this game was competitive, and played on a bone dry, brown pitch that was probably happier to see today’s rain than I was.
Willington mostly matched their higher-division opponents, though for 75 minutes it was clear that Billy Town were the stronger team.
In the final fifteen minutes, it wouldn’t have surprised me if Willo had sneaked a winner, but a goal for Billy in the first couple of minutes, and a second half equaliser for Willo proved to be the game’s only goals.
When that early goal went in, I feared the worst for Willington, but they pulled their socks up and gave as good as they got.
Unfortunately, I missed both of the goals while recording. I did manage to record the Willington goalkeeper making a superb save during the second half, keeping the scores level.
Worth noting that it cost me my first correct prediction of the season!
Overall, I think Willington did enough to deserve the draw.
However, the most important thing for both teams was getting competitive minutes in the legs.
Mission accomplished. A game played in good spirit, but still competitive enough to make it meaningful.
If and when a Match Report becomes available, I will post it here.
Full-time – Willington AFC 1 Billingham Town 1
Attendance – 76 (personal head count, not official)
Entrance Fee – £4.00
Programme – N/A
Willington AFC v Billingham Town – Match Highlights
If and when match highlights become available, I will post them here.
Up Next
Willington’s first league game of the season will come on July 31st.
They will be the first club to meet the newly merged Esh Winning & Deerness Valley at Hall Lane.
Trips to Barnard Castle (5th August), Silksworth Colliery Welfare (8th), and Hartlepool Pools Youth FC Seniors (15th) follow.
Their next home game comes on 19th August when they host Easington Lane.
Meanwhile, Billingham Town begin their Northern League campaign on August 25th, with a visit to Seaham Red Star.
Two home games follow: first, Grangetown Boys Club (28th), then Darlington Town (August 1st).
Then follow two more road trips: first, FC Hartlepool (4th), then Boldon CA (8th).
Willington AFC Thoughts
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Hall Lane today.
The quality of the ground surprised me.
There is no doubt in my mind that it is more than capable of hosting games two or three divisions higher.
Whether Willington has the ambition or the funds required to get there is a different matter.
This was a friendly game, so support was lower than you might expect in a league game. Although a few Billy Town fans did make the trip.
No programmes were on sale, and again, this is to be expected for a friendly.
I have no idea whether they are produced for league games. Please leave a comment if you know the answer to that.
As I’ve come to expect in these parts, the welcome is friendly, and I’d like to say a special thank you to the ladies in the clubhouse.
While I was watching the second half, I had a sudden moment of dread. I realised I had left my bag in the clubhouse after eating my snack earlier.
After rushing around, I asked behind the bar if one had been handed in, and they happily handed it over after keeping it safe for me.
Thank you!
All in all, Hall Lane is a ground you should absolutely visit if you haven’t been before.
Willington – After the Game
Following the final whistle, I headed for the bus stop next to Cottles pub on Commercial Street.
The X46 bus arrived four minutes late at 14:36 and deposited me in Durham at 15:02.
This gave me just enough time to catch the 15:06 #65 back to Hetton.
I was back home by 15:35, a time when I am usually engrossed in the first half of a game somewhere. Can’t be bad.
Another successful Hop in the books!
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Next Up for Hoppers Guide
Next week, we extend ourselves a little more.
After two local games to get us back into the swing of things, we will be travelling across the northern border into Scotland once more.
Scotland is one of my favourite places to watch football, and this time I will be venturing into the brand new Scottish Lowland Football League West for the first time.
Having separated the Lowland League into East and West, there is a whole new tranche of teams, and Pollok is one I have had on my ‘to do list’ for some time now.
They will face Troon, who will travel from Ayrshire’s west coast to Glasgow.
As always, I’m looking forward to visiting, and hope you will come along and read how I get on.
On to the next!
