The Sunderland football club was formed in 1879 as 'Sunderland and District Teachers A.F.C.' by the schoolmaster James Allan, Sunderland joined the Football League in the 1890-91 season, replacing Stoke City, who had been unsuccessful in the re-election process, therefore making Sunderland the first new club to join the league since its launch in 1888.
Sunderland won the football league championship in the 1891-92 season, just one season after joining the league. The club's accumulated 42 points for the season, were five clear of there nearest rivals Preston North End. The following season Sunderland successfully defended the title to lift the cup for a second time, in part aided by their centre forward Johnny Campbell, who broke the 30 goal mark for the second time in consecutive seasons. Sunderland also became the first club to score 100 goals in a season, a record held for some 27 years, until the 1919-20 season, when West Bromwich Albion set a new record.
Sunderland came really close to winning a third consecutive league championship in the 1893-94 season, but unfortunately finished second behind Aston Villa. However, Sunderland regained their title in the 1894-95 season, ending the season five points ahead of Everton, making it 3 wins in 4 seasons.
In 1908 on the 5th December, in a Tyne-Wear Derby match, Sunderland (nicknamed the 'Black Cats'), achieved their highest ever league win, against their north east rivals Newcastle United, (nicknamed the 'Magpies'). The 'Black Cats' won the game 9-1; with Billy Hogg and George Holley each scoring hat-tricks.
Sunderland won the league again in 1913, but lost their first FA Cup final 1-0 to Aston Villa, in a very tough and well played match. This was the closest the 'Black Cats' have come to winning both the league title and the FA Cup in the same season.
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