Saturday 31st August
Emirates FA Cup First Round Qualifying
Aycliffe Earn FA Cup Replay

Newton Aycliffe earned a replay with a 1-1 draw against NPL-Premier side Bamber Bridge in the Emirates FA Cup. It was a game where both teams had chances to win, but the game stayed a stalemate after Charlie Dawson’s 70th minute equaliser. Charlie also becomes the third member of his family to score in the FA Cup, following his cousin Dan and Uncle Bri.
The home side started sharp, and Bamber Bridge could have been 1-0 up within five minutes, but Lucas Weaver completely misjudged his shot and fired, high, despite been in a perfect position to score. Bamber Bridge would try to go forward, but Alex Nelson and Toby Pascoe would both be on defensive duties to keep the opposition threat to a minimum.
Bamber Bridge would be the first to score when experienced striker Mark Cullen tapped in from close range to make it 1-0 in the 40th minute. It was almost an instant response, however, in the 44th minute, Cieran Jackson went on a long run and his low shot just barely stayed out the net. The first half ended 1-0, but Aycliffe were already showing good character and giving a very good account of themselves.
In the second half, Lucas Weaver kept up his active role in the midfield and his chipped shot narrowly hit the side netting. In the 63rd minute Ethan Wood was unlucky to have his long shot hit the top of the netting. Jim Pollard would be an integral part of the second half, Weaver almost beat him in the 67th, but Pollard once again made a brilliant quick-reflex save.
A few minutes later, in the 70th minute, several Aycliffe players got in a crowded box, and Ryan Lincoln Barrow’s cross was whipped in and, after chaos in the box, found substitute Charlie Dawson and tapped in from close range. While Aycliffe had been soaking up some pressure, they were gradually growing into the game.
The remainder of the second half, once again, saw Jim Pollard make excellent saves, as Aycliffe managed the end of the game very well to pick up a very credible 1-1 draw away to higher league opposition.
Photo by Yvonne Wood: Charlie Dawson celebrates scoring the equalising goal at Bamber Bridge. Match report by Ryan Livingston.