Inspirational piece history...

Thanks to another piece of memorabilia that is worth its weight in gold!

Co-founder Len Land has handover some great archive material that is being put into a history of football in our community. It dates back to the beginning of the last century with a picture of a team of youngsters that played locally.

   In the meantime, above is a great moment in the club's past...lifting the trophy in the Derbyshire Cup. This should provide great inspiration for those modern players who might think they need to play on a bowling green surface and enjoy the highest facilities possible.

   We would appreciate any of the players in the winning team to recount their memories that can provide an inspiration for now and future generations!

   Sorry about the quality of the picture – you can click on the photograph to enlarge it, which will take no time at all if you have broadband!

   The lifting of the Derbyshire Junior Cup after a 2-0 victory over Doves Holes from the Hope Valley League is, arguably, the greatest moment. Two goals from Alan Brown secured the victory at Silverlands in buxton.

   But just in case there are sceptics who mix with some of the 'oldtimers' in the village! "How could they have played football" I can hear the village banter! But below is the role of honours enjoyed under the stewardship of co-founders Len Land and the late Norman Carline.

1979-80

Cavendish Cup winners, beating Darley Dale FC 2-1
Tarmac Cup runners up, losing to Cromford FC in the final

1980-81
Matlock & District Football League Champions
Derbyshire Junior Cup winners

1982-83
Matlock & District Football League Supplementary Cup Winners beating Cromford FC at Clay Cross Works.

1983-84
Matlock & District Football League Champions
Cavendish Cup Winners, beating Winster 4-1
John Lowe Trophy Winners, beating Cromford FC after extra time to hold the first ever trophy
Derbyshire Junior Cup semi-finalists, losing 0-2 against eventual winners Blackwell who overcame Matlock United in the final
Tarmac Shield semi-finalist, losing 1-0 to Winster
Nick Atkinson won Matlock & District Football League award for highest goal scorer
Reserves first season, finishing table in league and an extended run in the Invitation Shield

1984-85
Retained place as Matlock & District Football League Champions, with only one defeat
Retained John Lowe Trophy, beating Wirksworth 4-0
Reached semi-final of Tarmac Shield, defeated in replay
Reserves reached final of Matlock Junior Cup

1985-86
Matlock & District Football League Player of the Year went to Eddie Davenport
Reached semi-final of John Lowe Trophy and Tarma Shield
Reserves reached semi-final of Matlock Junior Cup

1986-87
Derbyshire Junior Cup Winners
Alan Brown two goals secured the victory over Dove Holes 2-0 at Silverlands, Buxton

Formed to give locals the chance to play the great game

AFC Lea Holloway Football Club was formed in 1960 by two local men Len Land and Norman Carline to give locals the chance to play football.

   In the early years they used white tee-shirts as they had no football shirts. Several pitches in the area have been used in Lea, Holloway, Dethick and Lea Bridge before playing at Lea Green which is still used as the home ground.

   The club were great in the 70s and 80s, winning many honours in both the Sutton and Skegby League and the Matlock League. They were so successful that for a period in the late 80s and the 90s they ran a reserve side in order that all those interested could play.

   Amongst their many trophy successes have been league titles and wins in the Cavendish Cup and the Derbyshire Cup.

   However, the club has fallen on tough times recently but the injection of new blood both on and off the field will hopefully bring back success.

© AFC Lea Holloway

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