End of an era as Terriers are forced to shut down

ONE of the most beloved clubs in North East non-league football has confirmed the 'heartbreaking' decision to fold with immediate effect.

- Mark Carruthers

For almost 75 years, the name of Bedlington Terriers has graced the Northern Alliance, Tyneside Amateur League and Ebac Northern League and has provided fans from across the region with a string of wonderful memories along the way.

A golden period arrived either side of the millennium as the Terriers became Northern League champions in five consecutive seasons as well as lifting the Northumberland Senior Cup four times in eight years.

That spell also brought the Terriers to the attention of football supporters across the country as they produced a stunning performance to romp to a 4-1 home win against Colchester United in the first round of the FA Cup.

A 2-0 defeat at Scunthorpe United brought an end to dreams of reaching the third round and a potential money-spinning tie with a Premier League giant.