WITH the FA Cup already won, third placed Preston North End had two tough away games remaining to complete the 1937/38 season.

The cup winners turned up at Roker Park a few days after their Wembley victory knowing that they had never won a league game or an FA Cup tie at Sunderland.

To the strains of conquering heroes North End walked on to the pitch with captain Tom Smith carrying the trophy they had dramatically won the previous Saturday.

Ninety minutes later the lads were walking off with their first ever victory (2-0) at Sunderland in the bag, although it had meant a 49-year wait.

In football ability North End were reported as being superior with cup hero George Mutch and the inspirational Bobbie Beattie running the show. They were well supported at the back by centre-half Smith who displayed excellent positional sense.

The goals were scored in the crucial last minute of each half. Beattie, Batey and McInstosh were involved in the opening goal which was scored by Watmough with a low stooping header. The second goal was from a free kick given away by Raich Carter. Mutch had his shooting boots on and struck the ball well to give PNE their long awaited points. Att: 22,307.

Three days later the season was rounded off at fourth-placed Charlton Athletic. There were only three points separating Wolves, Arsenal and Preston at the top of the league. With Wolves losing at Sunderland, Arsenal won the championship by beating Bolton Wanderers. North End finished just three points behind Arsenal after a 0-0 draw at Charlton.

At the bottom of the league only two points separated no less than eight desperate teams. As it was the only two teams who lost, West Brom and Man City, went down. Amazingly City were six places off the bottom before going in to the last game.

Well that's another season over, I hope you enjoyed this series, and watch out in the Citizen for next season's offerings...

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.