representatives had another meeting afterwards, which formed the basis of the Football Alliance. Participating teams included Bootle, Blackburn Olympic, Burslem Port Vale, Crewe Alexandra, Grimsby Town, Lincoln City, Newton Heath, Small Heath and South Shore. Bootle, Crewe, Grimsby, Newton Heath and Small Heath went on to co-found the Football Alliance the following year. Second incarnation The second incarnation was founded in 1890. The twelve founder members were: Burton Swifts Chester Denton Derby St Luke's Gorton Villa Hyde Leek (not related to the current Leek Town) Macclesfield Northwich Victoria Stafford County (not related to the current Stafford Rangers) Witton (not related to the current Witton Albion) Wrexham Five of the founding teams would eventually go on to play in the Football League, although in the case of Macclesfield, this would not happen until 1997–98. Glossop North End, who joined in 1894, were also elected to the League (in 1898), as were another later member team, Tranmere Rovers. As the competition evolved, the nature of the teams changed, with many more Welsh teams being involved, as well as the reserve teams of the Football League clubs such as Everton and Crewe Alexandra. By the time the competition folded in 1911 none of the original members still participated, with the exception of Wrexham, who fielded their reserve team. It was succeeded by the Cheshire County League and later by the North West Counties Football League. Champions The champions of the league were as follows: References Combination, The Sports leagues established in 1888 Football leagues in Wales