[2] Nolli claimed to have played with Hibernian and, unable to find an association club in Darlington, he recruited players from St Augustine's Church in order to form a side.

had been founded, and the two clubs met in the Cleveland Cup final in 1886–87; although the Saints were narrow favourites, Darlington won 4–1 in a replay after a 0–0 draw,[5] both games taking place at Middlesbrough Ironopolis' Linthorpe Ground; the Saints being handicapped in the replay by losing its favourite forward O'Hara on the eve of the match, and conceding no less than three own goals.

[7] Despite this success, it was not considered a big enough side to be invited in March 1889 to play in the first Northern League; it was however made first reserve,[8] and the Saints were duly elected as members in June.

[9] The club took full advantage by importing a number of players from Scotland, and won the league on goal average from Newcastle West End.

[11] It was the high point for the Saints, as the expense of running an 18-match competition prevented the chances of earning money from fixtures against clubs from wider afield, and there was some doubt as to its continuing.