NEHL - A football ground on the north east end of Thornley appeared in the 1920s/30s, on a general recreation ground. The ground was austere, with no facilities except an enclosed pitch. As a result it's possible changing facilities were provided by the school.

The club that called this site their home ground was likely Thornley Welfare FC, a team in the Wearside League through the 30s. The final of the Thornley Cup was hosted here as well as the Coxhoe Nursing Cup. This was played between Ludworth Athletic and Deaf Hill Amateurs in 1936. The ground can still faintly be seen on aerial images from 1945, suggesting it was still maintained.

The ground has since been reclaimed.