Gisborne City's Eddie Simpson tackles Christchurch United's midfielder Brian Hardman during a national league match at Childers Road in Gisborne in August 1973. The national league existed between 1970 and 1992, and Gisborne City was a surprisingly successful team. Although Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch teams tended to dominate, Gisborne City put together a very creditable side which won the league in 1983.  As this image shows, crowds of over 3,000 were regularly attracted to watch the team which, under the leadership of player and coach Steve Sumner, also won the 1987 Chatham Cup.