The original club founded in 1921 were members of the Football League from 1923 until 1951, playing 21 seasons in Division 3 North but were disbanded in 1983.

The club started life in the Lancashire Combination in 1921, assuming South Liverpool's membership, under the chairmanship of local GP Dr. Tom Martlew.

The club remained in the Third Division North until 1951, when they were voted out of the Football League after finishing bottom and replaced by Workington.

On 15 March 1947, manager Neil McBain was forced to play in goal at Hartlepools; becoming the oldest player, at 51 years and 120 days, to feature in a Football League match.

In the club's final season (1982–83), it was run by Len Ainscow (Chairman), Gary Burns (Secretary and Press-Secretary) and Brian Oxton (Manager and Treasurer).

Oxton resigned the club from the league, but this was quickly reversed by Gary Burns and a side was hastily put together that lost to Rake Social by 11–3, with Geoff Tolley in charge for one game.

Oxton returned as Manager, but shortly afterwards New Brighton was heavily beaten by Rake Social and by the end of the season it was clear that the club could no longer function.

A team bearing the name New Brighton Town AFC and the original emblem entered the Wallasey and District Sunday league.