Thornycroft Athletic F.C.
Thornycroft Athletic were a highly successful Basingstoke based works football club who played in the Hampshire League for many years.
Club History
Thornycroft Athletic joined the North Division of the Hampshire League in 1912 where they enjoyed moderate success. In 1920 Thornycrofts joined the Southern League but struggled and after finishing bottom returned to the Hampshire League, in the County Division (later to become Division 1) and finished runners-up in 1921-22. Thornycrofts remained a steady side in the top flight before being relegated as bottom club in 1931-32 and after finishing mid-table the following season the side withdrew from the competition to join the less demanding Basingstoke & District League.
Post-war
When normal football resumed after World War II Thornycrofts returned to the Hampshire League and were placed in Division 1. The post-war era saw the club remain a steady force in the league and were regular entrants in the qualifying rounds of the FA Cup but relegation in 1950-51 saw a decline in fortunes. After several years of re-building Thornycrofts won the Division 2 title in 1955-56 and returned to Division 1 where they remained for three seasons before again being relegated.
The early Sixties saw Thornycrofts alternate between Divisions 1 and 2 but after winning promotion back as runners-up in 1964-65. Thornycrofts then became a powerful force in Division 1 and after some encouraging seasons they won the title in 1968-69, three points clear of local rivals Basingstoke Town. Also at this time Thornycrofts also enjoyed some good runs in the qualifying rounds of the FA Cup and FA Trophy.
Demise
Sadly Thornycroft Athletic's success was brought to an abrupt end when the club suddenly folded in 1972 after the loss of their ground.