The modern club was founded in 1972 as Chester-le-Street Garden Farm, named after the pub in which it was founded. They initially played in the Newcastle City Amateur League, before moving to the Washington League in 1974, and then joining the Wearside League in 1977. In 1978 the club adopted its current name. They won the Wearside League in 1980–81, and after finishing as runners-up in 1982–83, they moved up to Division Two of the Northern League. The club won Division Two at the first attempt, earning promotion to Division One.