Former Bembridge School captain Derek Lewin scored twice as Bishop Auckland won the FA Amateur Cup final replay on this day 70 years ago – on 14th April 1956.
An England amateur international, Lewin was born on 18 May 1930 and captained the Bembridge School XI between 1946 and 1948 before establishing himself as a leading figure in the amateur game.
Playing at inside-forward, he scored twice in the 1956 final replay and went on to achieve a rare distinction by scoring in 3 successive FA Amateur Cup finals at Wembley. He netted both goals in a 2-0 win over Hendon in 1955 and scored again in a 3-1 victory over Wycombe Wanderers in 1957.
His performances brought national recognition, earning 5 England amateur caps and selection for Great Britain at the 1956 Olympic Games, where he played against Bulgaria.
The first 1956 Amateur Cup Final at Wembley below:
In 1958, following the Munich air disaster, Lewin was among a group of Bishop Auckland players brought in to help Manchester United fulfil their fixtures.
Away from football, he held a private pilot’s licence and flew a four-seat Cessna, represented the Army at both cricket and football, and was an accomplished musician, playing trombone, saxophone and French horn.
Derek Lewin passed away on 15th March 2019.
In other Isle of Wight football news from 1956…
Cowes were crowned champions of Hampshire League Division One after drawing with Andover to secure the point required for the title.
They finished top with 40 points from 26 matches, 6 points clear of Fareham Town in second place, while Newport finished fifth with 31 points.
Brading secured the Isle of Wight League championship for the eighth successive season with a 3-1 victory over Ventnor.
The Romans finished with 35 points from 18 games, winning 17 and drawing 1, and scored 76 goals over the course of the campaign.
