History 2 of 3

2. History 2


The 1986/87 season saw Town produce their best ever Cup run when they reached the QUARTER FINAL stage of the FA VASE, eventually bowing out by 2 goals to 1 to the Essex based side Collier Row.

1991 saw the clubhouse erected at Brierlands Lane and in 1995 floodlights were installed following a campaign, which included the handing over, to local councillors of a petition in favour of lights going up which was signed by several hundred people.

The appointment of Dave Parker as manager in 1994 after the departure of the previous manager and nearly all the first team players started what is undoubtedly Town’s best period in the NCEL.

The 1996/97 season brought a Division One runners-up spot as well as a Cup Final win when Town lifted The Wilkinson Sword Trophy by defeating Eccleshill United over two legs. In 1997/98 Town won the Division One Championship in style, 18 points clear of the second placed team - their first ever major League victory - and also completed the DOUBLE by winning the West Riding County Cup, beating Premier Division side Liversedge 2-0 in the final.

For the 1998/99 season Town moved into their brand new purpose built stadium - WHEATLEY PARK

That season saw Town reach the final of the NCEL President’s Cup, eventually losing over two legs to North Ferriby United and in their first season in the NCEL Premier Division - although topping the table to Christmas - finish in a very creditable mid-table position.

In the 1999/2000 season, despite a poor league finish, Town proved to be a cup winning side. They won the West Riding County Cup, beating Eccleshill United 2-0, as well as the NCE League Cup with a 3-1 victory over First Division side Glapwell in the final at Ossett Albion’s ground.

Success that season was not confined to the First Team. Town’s Under 18 side won the Leeds & District Championship at their first attempt and several of the side also made their debut for the First Team. A sign that Town’s youth policy is starting to bear fruit.

Dave Parker retired as manager following the League Cup final after six years at the helm. He was the best and most successful manager Town has ever had. His successor was Dave Harrison who had been Parker’s assistant manager for the previous 3 years.

His time in charge at Town saw him having to guide a young and inexperienced side through difficult times before being replaced towards the end of the 2001/2002 season as manager by Dave Holmes. Despite the hopes for better with the 2002/03 squad being augmented with more experienced players, The Miners finished bottom of the Premier Division and were relegated to Division 1.