Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the1954 FA Amateur Cup Final Bishop Auckland FC v Crook Town AFC

On Thursday 11 April, Heritage Park Bishop Auckland will open its doors from 5pm and play host to an evening to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the legendary 1954 Amateur FA Cup Final between Bishop Auckland FC and Crook Town AFC.

The evening will include an exhibition telling the story of this epic contest which took two replays before Crook Town eventually prevailed, and was watched by over 192,000 spectators across the three games.

Photographs and memorabilia, along with a talk, slide show and match footage will form part of the event.

Pre-match entertainment will be provided by Stanhope Town Band and Jack Drum Arts before a football game played in replica 1954 kit between Crook Town AFC Hornets U12s and Bishop Auckland Juniors U12s at 7pm.

Chairman of Durham Amateur Football Trust (DAFT), Clement O’Donovan said: “DAFT are thrilled that that we are able to host this evening to celebrate a legendary Amateur FA Cup Final between Bishop Auckland and Crook, and it is wonderful to have a re-enactment game with current youth sides, as it means we are able to share this rich footballing history across generations.

“The event is even more special as we are also able to show for the first time the personal collections of two life-long Bishop Auckland FC supporters, the late Keith Belton and the late Dick Longstaff.”

A celebration brochure of the 1954 final will also be available and will include pictures of the youth teams.

Following the re-enactment, the Keith Belton Trophy will be presented to the winner and Bishop Auckland Town Council commemorative medals will be presented to the all the players and match officials.

Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Sam Zair said: “It is great that the town council is supporting Durham Amateur Football Trust with this wonderful celebration.

“The artefacts and memorabilia from 1954 are fantastic, the film footage and photographs really capture the atmosphere and holding celebrations like this enable the stories behind the pictures to be shared across all age groups.

“It is set to be a great evening of nostalgia and I encourage everyone to go along.”

Entry is free of charge, although donations are welcome. Raffle tickets will be on sale for a joint raffle between DAFT and the Mayor’s chosen charities, The Angel Trust and Alzheimer’s UK.

First prize is a signed Manchester United football.

As well as Bishop Auckland Town Council, the event is also supported by Bishop Auckland FC, Durham County Council, Katem Logistics, Bishop Auckland Jnrs and Crook Town AFC Youth.