Better than United

Glossop North End, the North West Counties League outfit from Derbyshire, have made it through to this season's FA Vase Final. What many people won't be aware of is that the club taking on Whitley Bay in the Wembley showpiece on 10 May had several seasons playing in the Football League.

But, of course, it was a long time ago. The League's Division Two was increased to 18 clubs back in 1898 with the election of Barnsley, New Brighton, Port Vale…and Glossop North End. In their first season they finished as runners-up to Manchester City to earn promotion to the top flight. They ended up higher in the table than Manchester United* (fourth) and Arsenal** (seventh), beating the Gunners 2-0 at home.

Glossop found the going tough in the old Division One, finishing bottom with 18 points. They didn't manage a single away victory and were humbled 9-0 at Aston Villa.

Back in the second tier for the 1900-01 season, they consolidated in fifth place and enjoyed 6-0 home wins against Blackpool and Stockport. They were bottom of Division Two at the end of the 1914-15 season and resigned from the League after the War. Their Football League days may have faded into the past…but Wembley beckons now.

*Then Newton Heath  
**Then Woolwich Arsenal