Newton Aycliffe Juniors had 5 sides competing as we hosted a summer tournament at Sunnydale. Each team played in groups of six with the top two progressing to the final. A damp morning did nothing to affect spirits and the whole day was played in an enjoyable atmosphere.
The Under 7’s played 5 league games winning 4 and losing 1 in the group stage. This resulted in a final against Bishop Auckland Aces who had beaten them in the group stages in a tightly contested 1-0 defeat. We started brightly in the final scoring 2 quick goals to go 2-0 up at half time. Bishop came out strongly second half and scored two quick goals to level the game 2-2. Bishop scored a winner with the last kick of the game to make it 3-2.
Aycliffe were outstanding throughout the day and played some excellent football being unlucky to lose out in an excellent final. Well done to bishop Auckland on winning the u7s tournament.
The Under 8’s had a record of won 1, drew 3 and lost 1. The day was opened with a defeat 1-0 to the eventual winners Deerness Valley Lightening. Their defences were on top with 3 successive goalless draws against Greatham, Darlington RA and Deerness Valley Thunder. The final group game proved to be our final game of the day but a great victory against Newton Aycliffe Youth was enjoyed buy the home team. Thanks to all the teams involved and congratulations to the winning Deerness Valley team.
The under 9’s were in a very competitive group who have won many titles between them over the last season. In the first match a deflected goal was enough for Stockton Town Yellows to win 1-0. This was followed by a draw against a very strong Marton Whites team, Aaron levelling the game after an early goal was conceded.
Willington were next and despite dominating possession and territory we could not find a goal and this one ended 0-0. The final two games ended with good 1-0 wins after Charlie’s sublime finish was enough to beat Marton Blues and Jake’s penalty the difference against Middleton Saints.
Good performances were not quite enough to qualify for the final as our 8 league points left us 3rd in the table. Marton Whites were the eventual tournament winners after beating Stockton in the final.
The Under 13’s had a great tournament starting off with a draw against Bishop St Mary’s then recording a hatrick of victories against Newton Aycliffe Youth, Darlington TSC and Wolviston. Second place in the group and a trip to the final was secured with a 1-1 draw against Byers Green.
In the final it was Byers Green who turned out winners despite a determined effort from our lads. A late goal gave Byers a 1-0 win, congratulations to them.
The Under 16’s first game was a derby against Aycliffe Youth.We knew this was going to be a very tough game as they were a Division 2 side. The lads were up for everything today and it showed running out 1-0 winners with a great header from Kieran Maughan from a corner.
Our 2nd game was against Darlington All Stars from Division 3, again another highly contested game but the lads were so determined this was going to be their day, winning this 1-0 aswell with Kieran Maughan scoring again. Next up was Spennymoor Town who won the first 2 games scoring 7 goals. The lads battled hard and defended really well resulting in a great contest which ended 0-0.
Spennymoor drew the next game and up next was Seaton Carew and we knew a win would put us in the final. The game was end to end, with minutes remaining we attacked down the left and got in the box only for the attacker to be brought down for a penalty.Up stepped Carl Robinson and calmly put it away to win the game 1-0.
Winning the final game would see us top of the group, this was against Ferryhill Town who like us played in Division 4 last season. The lads played some excellent football and won 2-0, goals scored by Carl Robinson and Lewis Bunting.
Top of the group and into the final to play Spennymoor. starting with Spennymoor having most of the possession and playing some neat passes with the midfield under little pressure, This resulted in them getting a breakthrough and going ahead into half time 1-0.
The lads knew what they had to do and were told to up the effort and pressure them into making a mistake. This worked and when they didn’t deal with one of our attacks the ball broke to Myles Swift who was unmarked on the left and made no mistake scoring the equaliser. Full time 1-1. 5 minutes extra time was played and the score remained the same so on to the dreaded penalties! Spennymoor won 5-4! Well done to them but what an excellent day we had.Credit to both the winners and the NAJFC team as the final was played in a great manner and both teams came away with massive respect for each other.
A fantastic time was enjoyed by players and parents alike from all the age groups. A huge thank you to all who contributed to organising and running such a successful day. We have received many notes of thanks and compliments from the attending teams about their positive experiences on the day and how well the whole event was overseen.
None of this would have been possible without the support of our hosts Sunnydale Leisure Centre to whom we extend our thanks. All to come again in twelve months time!
NAJFC are very grateful for our sponsors who have supported this event at each age group level – without their support these events would not take place:
U7’s: Honest John, U8’s: SE Landscapes, U9’s: High Street Group, U13’s: AC Door Systems Ltd, U16’s: EOS Facades.
under 16 2015
Under 8 2015
