Newton Aycliffe will take on local rivals Bishop Auckland in a mouthwatering Bank Holiday Derby on Monday. The Newtonians suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat on the opening day of the league season last Saturday, with ex-Boro winger Nathan Porritt scoring the only goal for Marske United.
Aycliffe go to Team Northumbria on Saturday 25th August, followed by a big home clash with Bishop at Moore Lane Park on Monday 27th August, which kicks off at 1pm.
Boss Allan Oliver said: “It’s a big game for us, not least because it’s a local Derby, but we really need the points. It promises to be a big crowd on the day and a decent atmosphere, and a lot of fans getting behind the lads really does make a big difference, so we’d appreciate everyone’s support.”
Aycliffe probably edged their game at Marske last weekend, but were outdone by Porritt’s flash of brilliance in the 75th minute, when he displaced Tom Hinchley on half-way before turning Paul Broom inside the box to rifle past Scott Pocklington with his right foot.
Before that, Aycliffe had several first-half chances to score, with Hinchley going close and Gavin Barton hitting the post with a header. Broom and skipper Sean Tarling also had promising half-chances, with everyone failing to beat Marske ‘keeper Scott Allison, and the visitors’ first-half dominance fizzled out after the break.
Aycliffe’s game at Norton this weekend was postponed due to Norton’s involvement in the FA Cup – Aycliffe will instead go to newly-promoted Team Northumbria in Newcastle (3pm).
Tickets are selling fast for Aycliffe’s evening with Ray Parlour at the Big Club on Friday 14th September, including comedian Gary Skyner and hosted by David Craig from Sky Sports News.
Tickets cost just £25 each and can be purchased from Dan Lewis on 07581 784726, Barry Waters on 07864 718243, Paul McGeary on 07703 732342 or Martin Walker on 07826 525907.
Team photo back row:
Anth Campbell, Josh Knox, Nathan Wilson, Kris Hughes, Scott Pocklington, Paul Broom, Stuart Owen, Luke Black, Gavin Barton.
Front row: Gary Farley (Chairman and Assistant Manager), James Oliver, Tom Hinchley, Paul Robinson, Sean Tarling (captain), Allan Oliver (manager), Darren Craddock, John Close, Mark Peck, Fred Woodhouse, David Hopwood (physio).
FIXTURES
Sat 1st Sept: Spennymoor (A), 3pm
Tues 4th Sept: Durham City (A), 7.30pm
Sat 8th Sept: Dunston (H), 3pm
