The following season, 1979/1980, they were Monkwearmouth Charity Cup Runners Up and were winners of one of the oldest football trophies in the world, the Durham Challenge Cup. This was first played for in 1884 and won by Sunderland. Notable other winners have included Darlington, Hartlepool United, Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor United. The 'Star beat Consett in the quarter final and Tow Law (included Chris Waddle who shortly after signed for Newcastle) in the semi final. The final was played at Roker Park and the 'Star beat Boldon 1-0 and the winner was scored in the 1st minute by a truly great striker Norman Taylor. Norman was my striking partner at Ryhope CA in the early 70's and he was class even then.   Obviously a tremendous performance by every member of the team, some of which I have played with, coached and managed. The photo below is filled with players and management that I admired greatly. However, if I can take the liberty, can I just single out one other player who I know was truly outstanding that day and it's Billy Mitchell. Billy, who is one of the nicest fellas you could ever wish to meet, and was an exceptional talent. We played together at Ryhope CA from 1972 until 1979 and for most of this time he played in midfield. The last couple of those years he moved to centre half and continued to be outstanding. Personally, because he could create and score goals, I preferred to see him in midfield although to be honest he would have made one hell of a centre forward. The rest of this very talented squad are shown below showing off the Durham Challenge Cup.

Back row from the left:- Alan Black(Physio), Billy Mitchell, Tommy Henderson, Geoff Dale, Trevor Henderson, Alan Little, Bobby Davison, Colin Fotland, Freddie Guy and Steve Laverick  Front from the left:- Ian Stamp, Ian Henderson, Norman Taylor, Larry Phillips(Manager), Ray Moon (Captain), Chris Copeland(Coach), Keith Guy, Malcolm Baxter and Jimmy Ashett What a great set of players. It certainly would have been quite special being part of this very talented squad. Unfortunately approaching 35 at this time I could only dream about it. Having said that, even if I had been a few years younger, the quality of Tommy Henderson and Norman Taylor up front would have made getting into the side very difficult. But given the chance I would like to think I'd have given Manager Larry Phillips a huge selection problem. It would have been magic. If you look closely at this photo you will notice the club name was now Seaham CW Red Star. In order to have the floodlights erected the club had to agree to add Colliery Welfare (CW) to its name. This certainly seemed a price worth paying in order to bring the first floodlit football to Seaham.

In the 1981/1982 season Seaham Red Star won both the Wearside League and the Wearside League Challenge Cup for another incredible season. The photo below shows the successfull team and its trophies.

Back row from the left:- Ian Stamp, Gordon Huntington, Bobby Huntington, George Borthwick, Vince Elwick, Alan Little, Dave Agnew, Billy Stainsby and Alan Black(Physio) Front from the left:- Dave Emmerson, Nigel Gleghorn, Micky Harrison(Coach), Tmmy English, Larry Phillips(Manager), Brian Liddle and Tommy Henderson

These were certainly 'Vintage' years. Since this time the club have won two promotions from the Northern League Division 2 to Division 1. Unfortunately after two relegations the club is now back in Division 2. Lets hope the club can very soon recapture some of the magic from this period in the clubs history.