UPCOMING FIXTURES
Saturday 22nd December: South Shields (H) 3pm
Wednesday 26th December: Bishop Auckland (A) 1pm
Saturday 5th January: Consett (A) 3pm
Christmas came early for Newton Aycliffe fans as they won a vital Northern League clash with Penrith 3-1 last weekend. Coming a week after the famous 2-1 success against Darlington, Allan Oliver’s side moved six points clear of the relegation zone after coming from behind to beat their fellow strugglers.
The Newtonians made the long trip knowing defeat would see the Cumbrian side leapfrog them in the table. It was the home side who made the better start and took the lead after just eight minutes. Martin Coleman turned James Oliver and his cross into the far post was headed past Scott Pocklington by Stephen Rigg.
Penrith almost made it two, five minutes later as Coleman broke through but he was denied by a good save from Pocklington at his near post.
Aycliffe finally made their mark on the game a minute later as Lambert rattled the crossbar from 25 yards out, but Penrith went straight down the other end and Coleman’s effort from the edge of the area flew narrowly wide of Pocklington’s post.
A power cut at half-time plunged the crowd into darkness, causing a delay to the start of the second period, but when the lights came back on it was Aycliffe that dazzled.
Half-time substitute Fred Woodhouse was instantly involved and, after a one-two with Danny Earl, saw his goal-bound effort cleared off the line by Curtis Ward.
But just six minutes into the half, Aycliffe equalised. Pocklington’s long ball released Earl, who raced clear and lashed home from 18 yards.
Earl grabbed his second of the contest with 19 minutes left on the clock. Danny Lambert raced through and saw his effort blocked by Jonny Jamieson in the Penrith goal, but the ball fell to Earl on the edge of the area and the former Billingham Synthonia lashed home to put Aycliffe ahead.
After John Jardine was sent-off for the home side, the Newtonians put the gloss on the victory in the 88th minute as Lambert picked the ball up 25-yards from goal, dropped his shoulder and fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net.
Aycliffe fans will now hope to complete a perfect pre-Christmas period with another victory over bottom-club South Shields at Moore Lane Park this Saturday afternoon (December 22nd).
The club’s popular Christmas raffle will be drawn after the game, with a number of exciting prizes on offer. To purchase your tickets, priced £1, call Barry Waters on 07864 718243, or see a member of the committee during Saturday’s game.
