A gold-mounted silver medal for the Northern Alliance season 1898-99, the gold engraved NORTHERN ALLIANCE, 1898-9, with later silver chain The Northe

A gold-mounted silver medal for the Northern Alliance season 1898-99, the gold engraved NORTHERN ALLIANCE, 1898-9, with later silver chain The Northern Alliance was formed in 1890 and although it was at one time absorbed by the North Eastern League and on another occasion closed down through lack of entries it is still in existence over 114 years later; The founder-members in 1890-91 were Birtley, Bishop Auckland, Elswick Rangers, Gateshead North Eastern Railway, Rendel, Sunderland 'A' and Whitburn. The early years were dominated by Sunderland' A', who won the championship on five occasions during the first six seasons between 1890-91 and 1895-96. The present medal, however, relating to the 1898-99 season and was won by Jarrow FC, who had joined the Alliance in 1894-95. They finished ahead of Newcastle 'A'. In a memorable season Jarrow also drew a lucrative F.A. Cup 1st round tie against the mighty Everton at Goodison Park.