Sunderland secure final 1918-19 fixture victory in charity derby

Sunderland concluded the truncated 1918-19 season with a 3-2 victory over Newcastle United in a charity fixture held on 17 May 1919. The match, which served as the final game of the campaign following the armistice, raised £534 in gate receipts for the Footballers’ National War Fund. The result provided a fitting end to a season that had seen the club secure the Durham Cup earlier in the year.

The contest was played under special conditions arranged by Sunderland secretary Bob Kyle, who secured Football Association permission for the winning side to receive gold scarf pins. The cost of these mementos was covered by a £15 donation from Samuel Storey, a former MP for Sunderland, director of the club, and founder of the Sunderland Echo. Storey’s contribution was made in recognition of the players’ service during the war, with the condition that the expense not be passed on to ticket holders.

Jackie Mordue was instrumental in the victory, scoring twice for Sunderland. He opened the scoring in the 36th minute before adding a second, stylish late winner in the 82nd minute. George Keenlyside, a South Shields player making a temporary appearance for the club, scored the third goal in the 38th minute. Newcastle United responded through Ray Robinson, who levelled the score around the hour mark, but could not prevent the defeat.

The lineup featured notable returns for former service personnel. Leslie Scott, the club’s first-choice goalkeeper before enlisting with the Durham Light Infantry during World War I, returned to the side. Also appearing was George Keenlyside, who had previously organised a benefit match for the family of Jack Rowley, a trainer who died in the war. The event was marked by pre-match and half-time performances from the Wearmouth Colliery band.

The derby rivalry continued seven days later with a ladies’ charity match between the same two clubs, which raised funds for the Haverfield Disabled Serbian Soldiers Fund. That fixture, attended by approximately 10,000 spectators, saw Newcastle United win 4-1. The May 1919 derby marked the sixth meeting between the sides in seven months, following a 2-1 Northern Victory League win for Sunderland in March.